SCHENECTADY, NY — A Schenectady police sergeant is being credited with saving a man’s life during a large house fire late on Independence Day, officials said.
Around 11:17 p.m. on Friday, officers responded to reports of a major structure fire on Avenue A. When police arrived, they found the residence fully engulfed in flames and began evacuating nearby homes.
Sergeant Stevens, the commanding officer at the scene, took part in the evacuation and spotted a man emerging from the burning building. The man appeared disoriented and was struggling to move.
According to the department, the man collapsed shortly after stepping onto the porch. Sgt. Stevens ran to him, pulled him by the arms, and dragged him across the street to safety.
Authorities said the sergeant’s immediate response likely prevented the man from suffering more serious injuries.
The Schenectady Police Department credited the quick actions of Sgt. Stevens and responding officers with preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
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Police did not release the identity of the rescued man or the extent of his injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.