Seattle cops run into burning apartment to rescue resident

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Two Seattle police officers were in the right place at the right time after spotting a fire at an apartment while patrolling the streets and then rushing to evacuate residents.

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In a body camera video released by the Seattle Police Department, the officers smash the glass on the front door of the building on Aug. 31 at about 5 a.m. to unlock the door before running up the building’s stairs to alert the apartment’s second-floor resident about a fire in his unit.

The officers kick the door of the burning unit until a disoriented resident opens it with the officers leading him out.

They also ask the man if he has any pets that need to be rescued.

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Alarm didn’t go off to alert residents

Other officers then arrive at the apartment and start banging on doors to help evacuate the other residents in the building.

Police said on its website that many of them were still asleep because the “fire alarm had not sounded.”

As smoke grew thicker, the officers retreated with Seattle Fire Department firefighters ready to fight the flames.

Police said one of the officers was a student officer working the his first shift.

“These Seattle police officers knew the danger that awaited them and ran into a burning building to save the lives of strangers; a decision that exemplified their promise to serve with courage and dedication,” Seattle Police said. “Each officer received a commendation for their part in the rescue and will be recognized by the department for their outstanding work.”

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