3 New Rochelle Officers Injured In Apartment Fire Rescue

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — An alert police officer on Pelham Road noticed conditions were smoky on Franklin Avenue at 9:05 a.m. Sunday.

Police Officer Timothy Childs investigated, and found a fire at 157 Franklin Ave., a six-unit apartment building. He called it in and began evacuating the building. Police Officer Phalan Pedro and Lt. Robert Wenzler responded and assisted.

The officers also vented first floor apartments from the outside.

They then climbed the rear fire escape and spoke to a resident who refused to climb out because her cats were inside.

The woman was subsequently rescued by New Rochelle firefighters.

During their rescue efforts, Wenzler sustained a knee injury. Childs and Pedro were treated for smoke inhalation. They are on injured leave.

The fire caused damage to the entire right side of the building, making it unhabitable, police said. However, no residents were injured.

The Red Cross is assisting three families composed of five adults and two children. All needed emergency assistance along with referrals and follow ups with the Casework Team.

The New Rochelle Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.