Deputy Entered Burning Building To Save Man's Life

RACINE COUNTY, WI -- Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling honored one of his department's deputies after the deputy entered a burning building to save the life of a resident.

According to reports, on March 18, authorities took a call of a house fire located at
1220 13th Avenue, in the Village of Union Grove. Deputy Eric Schneider, along with other Racine
County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, Schneider saw flames, heat and billowing smoke coming out of the windows of the residence.

Schneider called into the residence to see if anyone was inside. He then heard from someone who already evacuated the house who said that the burning building was still occupied by a person upstairs.

Officials said Schneider, risking his life, entered the burning house to search for other occupants but could not go upstairs due to flames and smoke. He continued to search and saw a person laying on the basement floor at the bottom of the stairs.

Reports stated that the victim was unresponsive and barely breathing. Schneider was able to pull the victim out of the residence to safety, and was later transported by Union Grove
Rescue to a local hospital for treatment.

“Deputy Schneider went above and beyond the call of duty by entering a burning building to
rescue a resident and bring him to safety,” said Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester). “Racine County is fortunate to have such a brave public servant.”

State Sen Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) was also at Thursday's citation ceremony. “By risking his own safety and putting himself in harm’s way, Eric Schneider demonstrates the definition of commitment to community,” he said. "He may have saved one life, but his actions and inspiration have impacted many more.”