Harford Deputy Rescues Woman from Smoke-Filled Home: Sheriff

EDGEWOOD, MD — An off-duty Harford County deputy helped save a woman's life this week when she passed out in a burning home, the sheriff's office reported.

Deputy First Class Van Helten was in Meadowood Thursday when he heard a fire alarm and drove around the community until he found a residence on Crownwood Court filling with smoke.

Immediately, he radioed for fire department response, noting there was a woman unresponsive on the floor in a smoke-filled residence where pots were on the stove with burning food, according to authorities.

Van Helten forced his way inside and rescued the woman, who had passed out from the conditions, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities credited the deputy with saving the life of the woman, who was next to the stove.

"Great job, DFC Van Helten!" the sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page. "The citizens of Harford County are fortunate to have you serving the community."

Patch file photo.