Deputies save man from burning building

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies saved a man from a burning home. Shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, Deputy Andrew Dougan and Deputy Robert Cooper responded to a reported house fire in the area of 7800 E/475 S.

Authorities say that when they arrived, one resident was outside the home, but told deputies that her husband was still inside. Deputy Dougan and Deputy Cooper entered the burning house crawling through the living room but were unable to get to the back of the residence due to flames and heavy smoke.

Deputies then went to the rear of the residence and entered the home again this time through the garage. They could hear the trapped resident yelling from inside. Although deputies were unable to see the man, they asked him to keep yelling so they could find him in the heavy smoke. Eventually, Deputy Dougan and Deputy Cooper reached the man and were able to get him out of the burning house.

Both residents were treated for smoke inhalation but refused further treatment.

“Your BCSO deputies often work under stressful, high-risk conditions. Deputy Dougan and Deputy Cooper displayed the highest standards of excellence in public safety. I feel great knowing that these individuals are working for our agency and citizens should know how fortunate Bartholomew County is to have people like this serving and protecting them,” said Sheriff Matt Myers.