FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
A veteran Fresno police officer and a good Samaritan risked their lives to save a woman in a burning mobile home.
Just before 9:00 Friday morning, Alicia Vozland heard her dog bark and noise that sounded like gunfire. "We saw the flames and tried to figure out how much we were in danger and if we needed to get our stuff and try to go," Vozland said.
Bob Emmons rushed outside after hearing the noise. He saw intense flames and heard 80-year-old Judith Rollins screaming for help. An officer and a good Samaritan came to her rescue. "The officer and another guy grabbed her and pulled her out of there. I picked up a piece of plywood and blocked the heat while they pulled her out. So intense we couldn't even hardly stand to be there," Emmons said.
Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo says the police officer was thinking on his feet. It had a lot to do with instinct -- something he says they don't teach at the police academy. "The officer risked his life and the civilian to rescue a citizen of Fresno today. We should be very proud."
Judith Rollins' boyfriend, James Thomas, left for work 15 minutes before the fire broke out. "I didn't know whether my girlfriend made it out in time, but she did. She's in the hospital. I gotta go see her," he said.
Judith Rollins' family told KMPH News Friday night that she was critically burned and is now in the fight of her life. Thomas had nothing but praise for 25-year veteran Fresno police officer Steve Coleman and the good Samaritan who saved his girlfriend's life.
Fire investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Judith Rollins' dog survived the fire but the cat didn't make it.
