Canton Officers Save Man From Fire

Staff Report

Just after 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, officers with the Canton Police Department responded to a house fire at 2176 Marietta Highway.

Officers Jesse Hamilton, Christine Hedmann and Jose Souto arrived onto the scene and were advised by Cherokee County E-911 dispatchers that a man was possibly still inside the home, according to the agency’s Facebook page.

The home had visible flames coming from the interior and through the roof. A wheelchair ramp, which matched the description given by dispatchers, was observed by the officers at the home. Dispatchers also said the man was possibly disabled and unable to walk.

The officers, “without concern for their own safety,” forced their way into the home to locate the victim, according to Canton police.

The officers encountered heavy black smoke, but were able to locate the man in a rear bedroom. The officers lifted the man into a nearby wheelchair and carried him through the front door to safety.

The victim was treated by Cherokee County EMS for minor injuries.

Police Chief Robert Merchant is recommending the three officers for the department’s Life Saving Award.