Elk Mound, United States - September 04, 2024

In a display of raw courage and quick thinking, Elk Mound Police Chief Chad Weinberger became an unlikely hero when he kicked down the door of a house engulfed in flames to save the occupants trapped inside. The dramatic rescue, captured on Weinberger's body camera, unfolded in the early hours when most would be asleep, but for Weinberger, it was a race against time.

The incident occurred on September 4th in Elk Mound, Wisconsin, where Chief Weinberger, aware that the homeowner Doug Franze works night shifts, knew there was little time to waste. "I knew Doug would be at home sleeping — he works third shift. I knew the daughter would be at home as well," Weinberger recounted, illustrating his familiarity with the community that likely played a crucial role in his rapid response.

The video footage, since released by the Village of Elk Mound, shows Weinberger first attempting to alert the family by pounding on the doors, but the urgency of the situation dictated more direct action. "There was not much time," Weinberger noted, as smoke billowed ominously from the house on Juniper Avenue. In a split-second decision, the chief used force to enter the burning structure, calling out to guide the disoriented family to safety.

Inside, amidst the chaos of fire and smoke, Weinberger's voice became the lifeline for Douglas Franze and his daughter. Following his commands, they navigated through the smoke-filled rooms to escape the inferno. "It was a relief, a relief," Weinberger expressed post-rescue, emphasizing the necessity of his actions in such life-threatening scenarios.

The gratitude from Douglas Franze was palpable. "Chad, the officer … pretty much saved our lives. … I can’t express how much I appreciate that," Franze said, later fulfilling his promise with a heartfelt embrace that Weinberger humorously described as nearly squeezing the breath out of him.

The aftermath of this harrowing event brought the community together, with Chief Weinberger's actions not just saving lives but also becoming a symbol of heroism within Elk Mound. "I think we did alright," Weinberger humbly remarked, downplaying his role in what many would describe as a miraculous rescue.

Investigations later attributed the fire to electrical faults, but for the Franze family and the residents of Elk Mound, the day will be remembered not for the tragedy of the fire but for the heroism of their police chief, whose quick intervention turned a potential disaster into a story of survival and community spirit.