Page 54 - October Newsletter

f cers in ri ht ace at ri ht time to sa e resi ents cau ht in re
n BY DAN CAMPANA
When Officer Charice Williams spotted heavy smoke, her first thought turned to the people who might be in harm’s way.
“My goal was to help anyone I possibly could,” said Williams, a 13-year veteran and field training officer.
And she did just that, as the scene played out a little before 7 a.m. on Sept. 23 in the 5800 block of South Prairie. Williams and her probationary officer were responding to assist on a do- mestic call when she noticed thick black smoke coming from an upper floor of the south end of a multistory building, described as vacant by authorities, which was connected to an adjacent building with occupants.
Williams, her partner and another FTO-probationary pair immediately ran into the building, hit the stairs and fanned out across several floors to alert everyone about the blaze.
“We began banging on doors,” she described, adding that at least one door was kicked in to make sure the officer made con- tact with anyone inside the apartment.
Their efforts proved successful as three women and a man were safely evacuated in short order — and just in time.
“Within minutes, the whole building was engulfed,” Williams explained. “I knew we had time, but I didn’t realize we had such little time.”
William credited fellow FTO Ryan Suggs and Probationary
Officers Vashaune Lee and Marisol Ruiz for covering as much ground as possible without regard for their personal safety.
“We worked as a team,” Williams shared.
Although she’s never done a fire rescue like this one before, Williams didn’t pause when reflecting on the incident’s impact on her moving forward.
“Given the situation, I would definitely do it again,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t hesitate.” d
Of cer Charice Williams
Ryan Suggs
54 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2017
Marisol Ruiz
Vashaune Lee