In a ceremony filled with commendation and gratitude, three Las Vegas police officers were celebrated for their courage and quick thinking during an apartment fire rescue operation.
Officers Marcelino, Manzanedo and Silva received the Citizen Heroism Award from the Clark County Fire Department on March 20, acknowledging their lifesaving actions in a blaze that could have ended in tragedy.
The trio, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s South Central Area Command, were nearing the end of their shifts on December 27, 2023, when they encountered a fire engulfing a second-floor apartment near Reno Avenue and Tamarus Street.
Bodycam footage released by the department captured the harrowing moments as the officers discovered an older woman trapped close to the flames, unable to find a way down to safety.
As the video reveals, the officers, alongside several bystanders, maneuvered a dumpster to the edge of the landing, creating an impromptu rescue platform.
Despite the intense heat and the sound of explosions and shattering glass, one officer could be heard urgently coordinating the rescue.
“Get me up there! Get me up there,” the officer said while reassuring the distressed woman to stay put.
The rescued woman later expressed her gratitude amidst apologies, repeatedly thanking the officers and telling them she was okay.
The dramatic rescue showcased not just the bravery but the compassionate response of the officers in the face of danger.
“We are beyond proud of these officers for their quick thinking and even faster action to work as a team and save this woman,” a statement from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department read.
The video of the rescue, shared on social media, has since garnered widespread praise for the officers’ heroic efforts.
The Citizen Heroism Award, presented by the Clark County Fire Department, signified the impact and collaboration between fire services and law enforcement in ensuring public safety.
Officers Marcelino, Manzanedo, and Silva received the award for their heroic actions.
