Associated Press
Five Pasadena, Texas police officers were credited today with rescuing an unconscious, elderly woman from a burning apartment.
The five officers heard the fire call being dispatched about 7:25 a.m. and went to the apartment complex at 1100 Burke. The officers entered the apartment that had heavy smoking coming from it and found Onnie Beebe lying on the kitchen floor.
Beebe was taken outside and treated at the scene.
“The actions of the officers involved in this incident were above and beyond the call of duty and exemplified valor and bravery indicative of the officers of the Pasadena Police Department,” Pasadena Fire Chief J.D. Gardner said.
The police involved were Sgt. David Gram and Officers Steven Kelly, Roy Davidson, Steve Skripka and Scott Ragsdale.
Aside from removing Beebe from her apartment, the officers managed to remove a frying pan from an electric stove and turn off the stove. Officials believe food in the frying pan caused the fire.
This morning’s fire was limited to the stove. Beebe’s apartment did not sustain any other damage.
“These officers went inside a smoke-filled apartment unit without regard to their own personal safety,” Pasadena Police Chief Mike Massey said. “These officers risked their own lives before fire crews arrived on the scene and because of their actions they saved the life of an elderly woman. These officers are to be commended.”