The body cam footage of Knoxville officers’ heroic actions at a house fire last month has been released.
Officers Derek Baird and John Shuler were two of the first emergency responders to arrive, and immediately sprung into action, WVLT reported.
“They acted decisively and quickly when called into action,” officers told the media.
The fire was reportedly set in the main hallway of the apartment, trapping residents inside.
“When I think of a fire, I think of not getting burned. I never thought about the smoke. I think the smoke is what will get you,” Baird said.
He helped an elderly woman who was trapped inside the apartment.
“I took her hand and we started walking to the door, but the fire had come in the door. I pretty much stayed by her side the whole time.”
Baird began breaking a bedroom window and was able to leave the building with help from his partner, Shuler.
“I gotta do whatever it takes to rescue my partner. You have the opportunity to save someone’s life, that’s what you do,” he told the reporter.
