October 1, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Police Officers to Receive Commendation from Fire Chief

Three Shreveport police officers who rescued three children from their burning home over the weekend will receive commendations from Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran tomorrow at his Central Fire Station office, 801 Crockett Street, at 3:00 p.m.

The incident occurred this past weekend on Saturday morning around 1:50 a.m. Police officers Tim Grey, Jeff Nelson, and Trey Robinson were on their way to a 911 hang up call on Clark Boulevard when the dispatcher told them to disregard and respond to a house fire with children believed inside at 2929 Meadow Street.

When the officers arrived at the home, frantic neighbors were screaming that there were children in the house. The carport and storage area of the home were already engulfed in flames when the officers made their way to a side door to gain entry. Finding the door locked, they began kicking it when a surprised 16-year-old girl opened the door. When told the house was on fire and to run to the sidewalk, the 16-year-old said that her little brothers were inside. The officers then separated, two going down the right side of the residence and one down the left. In back bedrooms, officer Robinson found a still sleeping 8 year-old, while Grey and Nelson found an 11-year-old.

As the group attempted to escape the house, they found fire and smoke now blocking the way they had come in. Through the darkness and smoke, the officers guided the children to the front door and outside to safety. Firefighters arriving at the scene were quickly able to bring the fire under control by 2:09 a.m. The fire has been listed as suspicious by fire investigators. The children sustained no injuries but were evaluated by paramedics at the scene. The mother was at work at the time of the incident.

Cochran commenting on the actions of the three officers said that "their heroic actions under duress are to be commended" and that "it demonstrates the fiber and character of public safety employees and their commitment to serve in any capacity." Police Chief Jim Roberts will also be on hand for the ceremony. ###