A Volusia County deputy sprinted into a burning house on Laurie Drive in Ormond Beach on Tuesday, forcing his way inside and pulling two people out as flames shot from the home. Body-worn camera footage later released shows him kicking the door and dragging at least one person to safety while neighbors and first responders scrambled to help. Both victims were reported in critical condition, and officials say the blaze remains under investigation.
Body-cam footage shows deputy forcing entry
According to WESH, the body-worn video captures the deputy running down the street with a flashlight, then kicking in the front door and pulling a woman from a smoke-filled hallway. On the audio, he can be heard urging her on, saying, "Ma'am, keep breathing, keep breathing, sweetheart," as rescuers move her away from the fire. WESH also reports that a second person was removed from the house and taken for medical care.
Not Volusia's first dramatic body-cam rescue
This is not the first time Volusia deputies have been caught on camera charging into a burning home. In February, the Volusia Sheriff's Office released body-cam video from a DeLand incident in which deputies forced their way inside and pulled out an unconscious woman. See the Volusia Sheriff's Office and Hoodline's Volusia deputy hailed as hero recap for that earlier rescue.
Investigation and next steps
Officials told WESH that the cause of the Ormond Beach fire is still under investigation and that additional details have not yet been released. Fire units remained on scene into the evening, and investigators will determine whether the flames started accidentally or under different circumstances. This story will be updated when authorities provide more information or formal statements.
