In a display of quick thinking and courage, two NYPD officers conducted a dramatic rescue of two residents from a Queens house fire on Wednesday. The officers from the Emergency Services Unit, Sgt. Bryan Vesely and Detective Dan Dongvor, were captured on bodycam footage as they entered the burning building, with smoke enveloping the streets in Jamaica, Queens. "We were just patrolling the area, and at that time we noticed the strong odor of smoke and we could see smoke building up around us," Sgt. Vesely told ABC7NY.
The two, who are also volunteer firefighters, acted on their training to immediately search the house for trapped residents. They used tools to force open doors and deployed a pressurized water cannon to try to hold back the flames. The intense situation unfolded after smoke was seen pouring out of an attic vent of the residence at 229th Street. According to a report by the New York Post, Vesely had explained, "It was unknown if we had anyone inside" at the time they decided to enter the home.
The officers' search revealed a quiet peril within the smoke-filled home. Though the initial sweep of the bedrooms yielded no individuals, the presence of children's toys spurred a more thorough search due to the concern that kids tend to hide in small spaces during emergencies. It was only upon checking the basement that they found two occupants who were unaware of the fire. "The way that fire was building it could have gotten a lot worse and who knows what could have happened to those two residents who were in the basement," Sgt. Vesely remarked to ABC7NY.
The operation was fraught with danger as Sgt. Vesely battled flames that surged from the attic, while Det. Dongvor conducted an external assessment of the structure. "I tried my best to hold the fire back with the water can," Vesely said to the New York Post. The FDNY soon arrived on scene to take over the firefighting efforts. The two rescued residents were treated onsite, with one expressing gratitude from the back of an ambulance. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire marshals, this incident underscores the bravery and preparedness of New York's finest, whose timely intervention saved lives.
Reflecting on the rescue, the officers acknowledged their roles with humility. "We're super thankful. You know, events like this are humbling to say the least," Det. Dongvor told ABC7NY. The occurrence not only showcased their capability but also the effectiveness of their equipment and training. Despite the risks involved, Vesely believes that any other officer would have done the same, given similar circumstances and resources. Post-incident, Sgt. Vesely "texted my wife that I had to go to the hospital and everything was all right and not to worry," he shared with the New York Post, a testament to the perils inherent in the noble call of duty.
