Earlier today at the annual Indiana State Police Spring Awards Ceremony at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, several Knox County first responders and two Indiana State Troopers received Commendation Awards for their rescue efforts during a residential fire in Vincennes on December 31, 2017.
While Troopers Nick Hatfield and Jordan Lee were responding to the fire they overheard on their radio that one person had already jumped from the roof, but another person was still on the roof and there was another person in a second story apartment. When officers arrived, Trooper Hatfield ran to a fire truck to retrieve a ladder to rescue the man still on the roof, but before he returned Deputies Doug Roberts and Cameron Carr had lowered the man to the ground. Trooper Hatfield and Vincennes Police Officer Jordan Christie then located the woman that had jumped from the roof. She had broken bones and a head injury. Officers carried her to a safe area and away from the toxic smoke.
Trooper Lee, Knox County Deputy Byron Fourman and Vincennes Police Officers Joshua Gewirtzman and Jonathon Alexander had climbed an outside stairwell to try and locate the woman who was still in the second story apartment, but they were pushed back by flames and heavy smoke. Vincennes City Fire Captain James Beamon then used a fire hose to attempt to enter the second story to locate the woman. Trooper Hatfield, Trooper Lee and Deputy Roberts followed the firefighter to assist, but the roof of the structure was engulfed in fire and everyone had to give up their position for their own safety. Troopers Hatfield and Lee assisted the fire crew by manning a fire hose until additional firefighters arrived. Sadly, the structure collapsed and two people died in the fire, but others survived.
“This tragic incident is an example of the close working relationship and trust that has developed not only between the Indiana State Police and various Knox County law enforcement agencies, but also the Vincennes Fire Department. The officers are to be commended for their bravery in the service of their community. Their actions represent what all First Responders should strive to be,†said Lieutenant Brian Bailey, Commander of the Evansville District.
