Student officer on first shift of his career helps rescue residents from burning Seattle apartment

Two Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers ran into a burning apartment building on Cherry Hill Monday morning and rescued a 28-year-old man among several others.

At approximately 5 a.m., officers spotted flames coming out of a second-story apartment window in the 1600 block of E Madison Street, SPD announced.

Officers, one of whom was a student officer working the first shift of his career, broke the glass of the lobby door to enter and ran up the stairs until they found the burning unit.

The officers kicked at the door until the “disoriented” 28-year-old resident opened it. Officers evacuated the man from the burning, smoke-filled unit after asking whether any pets needed saving as well.

Officers responded from all over the East Precinct, “dropping whatever they were doing” and running to their cars to get to the scene. The smoke grew thicker, leading more officers to run into the building and evacuate residents.

Fire alarm didn’t go off as Seattle apartment filled with smoke

SPD noted that many of the residents were still asleep due to the fire alarm not sounding off. Officers ran up flights of stairs, yelling at residents to leave and banging on their doors.

Once the rescue efforts became too dangerous, officers evacuated the building while the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) prepared to begin fighting the flames.

“These Seattle police officers knew the danger that awaited them and ran into a burning building to save the lives of strangers; a decision that exemplified their promise to serve with courage and dedication,” SPD stated. “Each officer received a commendation for their part in the rescue and will be recognized by the department for their outstanding work.”

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