United States - July 19, 2024

Dramatic body camera footage released by the NYPD captured the heroic efforts of officers from the 115th Precinct as they rushed into a burning apartment to rescue a woman trapped inside.

Sergeant John O'Rourke described the harrowing scene that unfolded on July 19, when a fire broke out in an apartment building on Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights. "We were met by a wave of smoke," O'Rourke recounted. "Two of my officers used an extinguisher to tackle the flames while we located and rescued the woman."

The rescued woman, Carmen Davila, expressed her gratitude to the officers after the terrifying ordeal. "I was scared," Davila admitted, reflecting on the chaotic events of that night.

NYPD Officer Kieran Kelly recalled how they responded to the emergency call. "We were just down the block when someone alerted us to the fire. We immediately rushed to the scene," Kelly explained.

Seven officers and one sergeant swiftly mobilized, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and bravery. Officer Nicholas Maschia emphasized the urgency of the situation: "In that moment, we knew someone had to be saved."

Firefighters arrived shortly after the officers and confirmed that a lithium-ion battery was the likely cause of the fire. However, it was the quick actions of the NYPD officers that prevented further damage and ensured Davila's rescue.