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Updated: 1:09 PM Aug 5, 2008
Woman Alive After Fire Thanks To Police Officer Rescue
A woman is alive tonight after a Wichita police officer crawled on his hands and knees to save her when she was trapped inside her burning home.
Posted: 5:49 PM Jul 24, 2008Reporter: Cayle Thompson Email Address: cayle.thompson@kake.com |
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A woman is alive tonight after a Wichita police officer crawled on his hands and knees to save her when she was trapped inside her burning home. The fire broke out Thursday morning around 7:30 in the 500 block of west MacArthur.
The woman is 84-year-old Vivian Gore and is at Via Christi St. Francis in critical condition.
Authorities said that were it not for the fast actions of one Wichita police officer, she would not be alive tonight.
Officer Victor Trillo has been hailed a hero, although he says the title is undeserved.
"Any of the officers would do the same thing," Trillo said.
Trillo was on patrol Thursday morning when he passed by her home. Three people made it out on their own, but Trillo quickly learned that an elderly woman was still trapped inside.
After he pushed through the side door, he found less than a foot of breathable air near the floor.
"Got down on my hands and knees and crawled in. Not sure how far, maybe 10-15 feet. I was able to see the woman's feet inside, and I
grabbed her ankles and just pulled her out," Trillo said.
Once outside, Trillo was charged by a pit bull. Others had to hold th dog back.
"I felt something tugging at my pants. I don't know if he thought i was hurting the lady, but they got him under control, the resident did," Trillo said.
Medics rushed Gore to the hospital in critical condition. They said that Officer Trillo truly saved her life.
Gore's family is by her side tonight, praying she pulls through. Trillo escaped with no injuries.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the house is likely a total loss.
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