Galion Police Chief Ryan Strange posted a press release on social media Thursday afternoon about a dramatic incident which took place earlier this week.
A routine morning in Galion quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when a house fire trapped a mother and her 4-year-old child upstairs in their home. Thanks to the swift and heroic actions of three Galion Police officers, both were rescued and brought to safety.
Emergency Call Leads to Urgent Response
At approximately 9:18 a.m., Galion Police and Fire were dispatched to 121 East Atwood Street after receiving a distress call from a resident trapped inside their home. Thick smoke had engulfed the lower level, preventing escape. The resident, along with their child, was stranded upstairs, calling for help.
Braving the Smoke and Flames
Galion Police Officers Kevin Schafer, Austin Chaplin, and Tim Duncan were the first on the scene. Without hesitation, they forced their way into the smoke-filled house. As they moved through the dense haze, they could hear the desperate cries for help coming from above.
Officer Tim Duncan courageously navigated through the smoke to reach the second floor, where he found the trapped residents. With limited visibility and time running out, he guided the mother and child safely down the stairs and out of the burning home.
A Community Expresses Gratitude
In the statement, the Department commended the bravery and quick-thinking actions of the three officers.
“I am extremely proud of these officers’ selfless dedication to protecting the citizens of Galion,” the statement read. “Because of their quick actions, they helped save the lives of the resident and their young child.”
Heroes in Uniform
The officers involved in the rescue—Kevin Schafer, Austin Chaplin, and Tim Duncan—demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of danger. Their commitment to public safety serves as a reminder of the vital role law enforcement plays in protecting the community.
Continuing Investigations and Safety Awareness
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by local fire authorities. Residents are reminded to check smoke detectors regularly and have an emergency escape plan in place.
1831Galion salutes these brave officers.
