The deputy, Christopher Parish, and the fireman, Mike Anderson, are being hailed as heroes for putting themselves in harm’s way and saving a life, said sheriff’s department spokesman Sgt. Seth Barton.

Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to CR 8546 W 1000 S, Winamac (on the county line in Beaver Township) about 7 p.m., Friday (April 11) in reference to vehicle fire that was near a residence. Pulaski County dispatch had information that all residents were out of the residence, according to the police report

Parish, who did not have to respond to the fire call, cleared another call for service and went to the scene of the fire. Upon his arrival, he discovered the vehicle fire had spread to the residence. The residence was becoming fully engulfed rather quickly. Parish began checking the house to ensure it was, in fact, vacant. Upon announcing his presence, he heard a voice in the residence. The person inside made it clear he could not get to the door, the police report continued. Parish utilized his flashlight and busted a side window out. While attempting to clear the glass to allow an exit, the smoke began pouring out of the window.

 At this time, Anderson arrived on scene to help. The man inside the house was unable to get out of the window on his own. Parish and the fireman both pushed headlong into the smoke, and had to forcibly remove the man trapped inside. They were just in time to drag him from the window, as the fire had overtaken the room.

First aid was administered to the victim. Parish was treated at Pulaski Memorial Hospital for smoke inhalation. He also suffered minor cuts from evacuating the victim from the residence.