ALTON, Ill. — An Alton police officer is being recognized with the Life Saving Award after rescuing two people and their dogs from a burning home on July 5.

At about 5:43 a.m., Officer Beuttel responded to a structure fire in the 3400 block of Meridocia Street. Heavy smoke and flames were pouring from the rear of the residence when he arrived. Deborah J. Richardson, 72, and Steven M. Harris were trapped on a second-story deck with no safe way down due to missing steps, rotted boards and no railing.

Beuttel climbed the unstable structure, cleared obstacles, and helped the victims down the hazardous stairs. When Richardson could not cross the missing section, he jumped down, carried her to safety, and escorted everyone — including their two dogs — to the front of the home before firefighters arrived.

Source: Alton Police Department