Off-Duty Texas Police Officer Rescues Elderly Neighbor From House Fire

LUBBOCK, Texas -- An off-duty Lubbock police officer is being lauded after he jumped into action to save an elderly neighbor from a house fire earlier this month.

Officer J.R. Wood was returning home from working security at his church when he noticed his neighbor’s house had smoke and flames pouring out of the windows and vents on May 10, according to a news release.

A civilian standing outside informed Wood they had called 911, but their elderly neighbor was still inside. Without hesitation, Wood immediately ran inside to find her and get her out safely.

As Lubbock Fire Rescue arrived on scene and started working on controlling the flames, Wood escorted his neighbor safely out of the house and onto the street. They were both unharmed. He then helped the neighbor contact family and then proceeded to help block the road while Lubbock Fire Rescue continued to fight the fire.

"We are proud to have men and women in our department like Officer J.R. Wood. Even off duty, our officers go above and beyond the call of duty and care deeply about our citizens," the department said in a statement.