Bravery blazed through West Plymouth as Officer Dylan Oxsen of the Plymouth Police Department showed his mettle, running into a burning house to save a desperate man trapped inside. The dramatic rescue took place on January 25, at about 3 P.M., when Officer Oxsen responded to the scene of a house fire fully engulfed in flames.
Awarded for his gallantry, Oxsen received the Life-Saving Award, notably mentioned by the Plymouth Police Department in a recent post on their official Facebook Page. The citation from Chief Dana Flynn recounted that upon arrival, hearing a man crying for help buried within the smoke and flames, Oxsen took decisive action. Despite the heavy smoke blinding his sight, the officer located the imperiled man in the kitchen by following his yells for help.
In a statement obtained by the Plymouth Police Department's social media, Chief Dana Flynn lauded Oxsen's actions, stating, "You entered the house and told the man to keep yelling because you were making your way through heavy smoke, and unable to see." Through the treacherous conditions, Officer Oxsen managed to drag the man to safety, saving his life. It was during this act of heroism that Oxsen himself sustained burns to his left hand.
Embodying the essence of dedication and courage, Oxsen's deeds have not just earned him a distinguished accolade but also heartfelt regards from the community and his peers. "Your actions are a credit to this Police Department and the residents that you serve," said Flynn in a Facebook post, commending the officer. "You should be proud of this incredible accomplishment," the chief added, in the midst of expressing gratitude and recognition for Officer Oxsen's swift and decisive response to the dire situation.
The community echoed Flynn's sentiments, with social media comments praising Officer Oxsen's bravery. The officer's fearless response not only demonstrated the quick thinking and duty-bound spirit that defines our first responders, but it also left an indelible mark of heroism in the West Plymouth community.
