Maryland Officer Pulls Man From House Fire
Source Officer.com News
An officer with the Charles County, Md. Sheriff's Office rescued a man from a fire last week.
Officer Vernon Warker was the first responder on the scene of a house fire in Waldorf on May 25.
Neighbors called to say the back of a house was on fire and flames were coming through the roof. Another neighbor alerted dispatchers that a 26-year-old woman and a 3-year-old girl had escaped, but that a man was still trapped inside.
After confirming the man was still inside the structure, Warker forced open a screen door and kicked open another door and made entry. The officer could only see inches in front of him as the house was filled with heavy smoke.
As Warker crawled on the floor, he noticed a pair of white socks and soon realized they were on the feet of a man who was lying unconscious on the floor. The officer dragged the man to the front door where two neighbors helped get him out.
Sgt. Ashley Burroughs, who had just arrived on the scene, helped Warker and on of the neighbors helped carry the man to the street.
Cpl. J. Timko arrived and went to neighboring homes to alert them of the fire and to evacuate until the fire could be controlled.
Fire and EMS personnel arrived on the scene and took over first aid for the 44-year-old victim who was suffering from smoke inhalation and burns to his head and throat.
The man was flown to a hospital with severe injuries.
Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry said the actions of Officer Warker were heroic and saved the man's life.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Paul Peluso | Editor
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.
