By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A terrified 3-year-old was saved from a burning home this week after a deputy saw movement under blankets in the back bedroom, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Video shows “thick black smoke” filling the home as K-9 deputy Marcus Dawson began knocking on doors, looking in windows and calling out to anyone in need of help.
The fire happened Sunday in the Palm Coast community, about 60 miles south of Jacksonville.
“Dawson observed movement in the bed of the master bedroom and as he got close, he observed a toddler under the blankets hiding from the smoke,” officials said in a Facebook post. “He immediately entered the residence to rescue the child and carried him out of the home.”
Dawson is heard calmly greeting the child and asking: “Hi, buddy, where’s your mommy? Come with me.”
He then carried the child to safety. Emergency responders were waiting outside and determined the 3-year-old was uninjured, officials said.
Investigators said the toddler’s father told them he had gone “to pick up dinner and left the sleeping child home with an older sibling.” Details about the older child were not released.
The department lauded Dawson for quick action.
“Without DFC Dawson immediately running toward danger, even without a safety respirator, this could have been a much different outcome,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.
“This child was hiding in fear of the fire and smoke watching a cartoon on his phone when, thankfully, DFC Dawson’s training in emergency response allowed him to find this child and safely rescue him,” Staly continued. “This was a dangerous situation and we are very proud of DFC Dawson’s bravery and commitment to serving this community and saving a life.”
Investigators suspect the fire was “accidental and possibly cooking-related.” No residents were injured.
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