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The Tampa Police Department recently showcased their bravery and teamwork in the dramatic rescue of an 81-year-old man, Wallace Carter, from his smoke-filled home in East Tampa.
The intense moments of the rescue were captured on police bodycam footage and shared on social media.
On the afternoon of March 16, Tampa police were alerted to a potentially hazardous situation at a residence on East Chipco Street, where smoke was seen billowing from a home.
Upon arrival, officers were met with the critical scenario of Mr. Carter, who was incapacitated by the billowing smoke filling his house.
The home, fortified with burglar bars on the doors and windows, presented an immediate challenge to the rescue efforts.
Officer Travis Wilson, along with his team, urgently deployed specialized breaching tools, including a halogen and a ram, to forcefully enter the residence through the front door.
Inside, they found Mr. Carter “lying incapacitated” on the kitchen floor, a victim of the thick smoke that had permeated his home.
Officers quickly sprang into action, extracting Carter from the home and bringing him to safety outside.
The bodycam footage reveals the tense moments of the rescue, with officers navigating through the smoke-filled house to reach Mr. Carter.
The elderly man later informed the officers that the stove was still on, urging them to turn it off to prevent further disaster.
The Tampa Fire Rescue team arrived shortly thereafter, extinguishing the flames that had originated from the stove.
Thanks to the prompt actions of the Tampa Police Department, the fire was contained, and Mr. Carter was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department praised the officers involved.
“The swift and decisive actions of these officers are truly commendable. Their bravery and commitment to public safety are shining examples of the dedicated service of every member of the Tampa Police Department,” the police chief said in a statement.
Officer Wilson reflected on the importance of their timely response.
“Getting through traffic in those big fire trucks, sometimes we’re able to beat them here, and those seconds matter.”
Mr. Carter, recalling the event, admitted the smoke was overwhelming to the point of not remembering the police’s arrival but expressed profound gratitude for their life-saving intervention.
“The smoke was so bad, I don’t even remember no police,” he told FOX 13.
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