By Linda Spice
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MILWAUKEE — Sam Carrion’s family had practiced a fire escape plan, but when his 6-year-old daughter became confused during a blaze at their home Friday, he was grateful for two Milwaukee police officers who carried her to safety.
Officers Michael Antoniak and Eric Phillips were on routine patrol about 2 a.m. on the city’s south side when they came upon the burning four-unit building at 3100 W. Scott St. A burning mattress was leaning against an exterior wall, and police said they are investigating the fire as suspicious.
Antoniak said they called for the Milwaukee Fire Department but knew it might be three to four minutes before they arrived.
“We had to take the initiative and go into the house,” he said.
Inside, two families — including four children — were asleep in two of the units. The officers began to bang on their doors and alert them to the fire, helping everyone get out quickly.
Carrion said he had no idea the building was on fire. Carrion’s wife, Marilyn, and son, Bryan, 13, followed the family plan and met by a nearby tree. He was attempting to get his keys when it appeared his daughter had become confused in the chaos.
The officers “went in and took my little girl from the kitchen. She didn’t know what to do. All the practice we did, at that moment, it was gone. I was very thankful for them,” he said.
District 6 Capt. Don Gaglione said his officers were in the right place at the right time.
“This is a typical example of the daily good work that officers are doing on the street, and they should be commended for their heroism in running into this burning building,” he said.
Copyright 2008 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel