Policemen Save 97-Year-Old Man from Burning Home on Thanksgiving
HATBORO, Pa. (CNN Newsource/KYW/WKRC) – A 97-year-old man has more than just the usual reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving after two police officers rescued him from his burning home.
What was supposed to be a normal holiday almost started in disaster, but thanks to the heroic actions of two police officers, the day was saved.
“3:30 in the morning, cars in the driveway, your hairs are up, thinking there is probably people inside this house. We’re the ones here right now, so it’s time to act,” said Hatboro Police Sgt. Aaron Simon.
Sgt. Smith and his partner Officer Robert McMahon arrived at the scene and could already see flames coming from the second story of the home. Their bodycam footage caught the whole incident.
After making their way inside, the two officers could barely see anything in front of them, but just barely they could hear someone quietly calling for help upstairs.
“His room was right next to the room where the fire was and the flames were partly coming out of the room, so you could only get so far,” said Officer McMahon.
Trapped in the room next to the fire was the elderly homeowner.
“When I was finally able to see him, about a foot into his room, two feet into his room, that’s when I took a deep breath and ran in and ripped him out as far as I could,” said Officer McMahon.
McMahon tried to carry him as much as he could, but the smoke was so heavy that it forced him to take breaks. Sgt. Simon saw this and stepped in, the two then taking turns back and forth carrying the man out of the burning home.
After a few attempts, the two officers were able to carry the homeowner to safety outside.
Dealing with such a heavy situation, especially on a holiday, left these two officers more than thankful.
“Knowing that he gets to spend another Thanksgiving with his family, whether its 10 Thanksgivings, or just another one, it’s very nice that this gentlemen is alive today,” said Sgt. Simon. “I went home and my son was already up, I gave him a big hug and kiss, you got to cherish every moment in life.”
“He’s alive, we’re alive, that’s all you can ask for,” said Officer McMahon.
The 97-year-old was then moved to a local hospital. His full status is unknown but he’s believed to be okay.