Bel Air Policeman Fights Fire Outside District Court

BEL AIR, MD - A law enforcement officer in Bel Air did double duty, coming to the rescue as a firefighter, the Bel Air Police Department reported on Monday.

Officer Keith Smithson was on routine patrol when he saw fire break out near the Mary Risteau District Court Building, police said.

"Smoke could be seen beyond Main Street and Hickory Avenue," police said in a statement.

Smithson, who is also a member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, used his firefighting skills to ensure nobody was harmed and the building was not damaged, according to police, who reported: "Officer Smithson single-handedly fought and extinguished the fire."

When police posted about the firefighting policeman on Facebook, the news brought a flood of gratitude from the community.

"Thank you for your quick actions. I am employed in that building and we are all so thankful for your quick response," one woman wrote on the Bel Air Police Department's post.

"Not all heroes wear capes," another person added.

While an official cause was not stated, police said: "The fire could have been caused by careless smoking." Officials advised people to use extreme caution discarding cigarettes during dry conditions.

Photo courtesy of the Bel Air Police Department.