Firefighters, Police Recognized for Saving Residents In Condo Fire

When Crystal Lake police and firefighters arrived at the Virginia Road condominium complex on March 15, the scene was similar to something depicted in a movie or television show.

Around midnight, a fire was quickly spreading through the three-story building at 627 Virginia St., located about one-quarter mile south of Route 14. Residents were trapped on their balconies, calling down to the firefighters for help.

“Police officers began pounding on doors,” Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Chief James Moore said. “Three officers caught infants thrown from the second-floor balconies in their arms.”

Emergency responders also knew from a 911 call that one woman and her mother were trapped in their second-story bedroom by the flames and smoke. Firefighters used ladders to rescue them along with several other trapped victims.

“We rescued 26 people without injury to anyone that evening,” Moore said at last week’s city council meeting. “To me, that was just exceptional teamwork.”

Moore, along with Crystal Lake Police Chief David Linder, formally recognized the responding police officers and firefighters’ exceptional service that night. About 50 members from both departments stood before the city council on June 5, as Moore honored them before the council members and the audience.

“Each officer’s willingness to work as a team with fire rescue personnel ensured every challenge was met, and their determination and skilled saved lives and property,” Moore said. “This remarkable outcome exemplifies our mission to serve and protect the residents of Crystal Lake.”