Police Officer Carries Woman Out Of Burning Apartment Building In Derby: PD

DERBY, CT — A Derby police officer carried a woman to safety after a large fire broke out at a 10-unit Derby Avenue apartment complex on Oct. 23, the department announced this week.

In a news release posted to the Derby Police Department Facebook page Wednesday, police said officers Jonathan Tirado and Ty Netto were first to arrive in the area and immediately entered the building to evacuate residents.

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Polices said Tirado and Netto worked to safely evacuate all residents from the burning building, which consists of a ground-level floor and two additional floors below.

During the evacuation, Tirado was alerted to a woman in a downstairs apartment that was quickly filling with fire and smoke and carried her up the stairs and outside the building to safety, according to police.

On Thursday, police released footage from Tirado's body worn camera during the fire, in which he can be seen running into the building, telling residents to evacuate and finding a woman in a downstairs apartment.

Tirado can then be seen carrying her outside to safety.

The department commended Tirado and Netto for their quick actions during the fire and said they both demonstrated exceptional courage.

"Both officers acted decisively and without hesitation, placing themselves in harm's way to protect the lives of others," the department wrote in a news release. "Their actions reflect the commitment, courage, and dedication that define the law enforcement profession."

Police also thanked the Derby Fire Department, Derby EMS and other assisting agencies who "were able to first contain the fire before extinguishing it and prevent any loss of life."

In a news release posted to the fire department's Facebook page, officials said the fire, which broke out around 5 p.m., was challenging because the building is one story on the street side and three stories in back.

Firefighters were initially unable to enter the building through the front door due to intense heat and smoke, and porches in back of the building had collapsed, officials said.

Crews were ultimately able to enter the building and extinguish all visible flames, officials said.

The department also noted "extensive overhaul was required within the building."