Riverview Police Chief John Allen (fourth from left), Fire Chief Glenn Owens (fifth from left) and Mayor Pro Tem Brian Webb (right) honor Riverview Police Officers Christopher Schramm (left) and Anthony Baron, Police Sgt. Eric Thome, Fire Sgt. Damon Sutton, Firefighters Joe Strassner and Jason Nadeau and Fire Sgt. Dan Garnick, who responded the night of Aug. 24 to the Southgate American House assisted living facility fire, where they helped to safely evacuate the 85 mobility-challenged residents.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – Police officers and firefighter/paramedics who responded to the Southgate American House assisted living facility fire the night of Oct. 24 were recognized during the Nov. 3 City Council meeting.
Police Chief John Allen and Fire Chief Glenn Owens recognized the Riverview responders who joined 39 police officers from 11 agencies and dozens of firefighters from 14 local departments who safely evacuated all 85 residents, avoiding injuries or fatalities.
Allen recognized Police Officers Christopher Schramm and Anthony Baron, and Police Sgt. Eric Thome, while Owens recognized Riverview Fire Sgt. Damon Sutton, Firefighter Joe Strassner, Firefighter Jason Nadeau and Fire Sgt. Dan Garinack.
Many of the assisted living residents had limited mobility, and some were confined to bed at the time of the fire.
Riverview Police Chief John Allen (left) commends Riverview Police Officers Christopher Schramm and Anthony Baron, and Police Sgt. Eric Thome, who responded the night of Aug. 24 to the Southgate American House assisted living facility fire, where they helped to safely evacuate the mobility-challenged residents.
Owen said the police officers who arrived first entered the building without hesitation and started going room to room to evacuate the residents.
“There were heavy fire conditions and smoke-filled hallways, but they still went forward,” he said. “It was heroic.”
Owens said as firefighters arrived, they joined the evacuation efforts, and first responders assisted many residents with mobility issues.
“Many of them not only had to be assisted out, but several had to be carried out, and a few were actually carried out through the window,” he said. “Within approximately 20 to 30 minutes, all 85 residents that needed help made it out safely.”
Owens said the fire was fought from 10 p.m. until about 5 a.m. the next morning.
“It’s impressive and it’s an honor to be a part of everything that happened that night, to see that many communities come together for a singular need, and it was very impressive and very honorable that we were part of it,” he said.
Southgate fire officials have determined the fire’s point of origin but have not yet determined the fire’s cause. The investigation is ongoing as officials interview witnesses and gather information.
Riverview Fire Chief Glenn Owens (left) commends Riverview Fire Sgt. Damon Sutton, Firefighters Joe Strassner and Jason Nadeau, and Fire Sgt. Dan Garnick, who responded the night of Aug. 24 to the Southgate American House assisted living facility fire, where they helped to safely evacuate the mobility-challenged residents.