A good neighbor in Illinois has been hailed as a hero for using a sledgehammer to batter down the door of a burning building to rescue a wheelchair-bound woman inside.
Reported by various local media affiliates, the rescue occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd, after a house in Arlington Heights caught fire with two elderly residents trapped inside. A 90-year-old man managed to escape, only to try to go back for his 85-year-old wife.
Confined to a wheelchair, she was stuck inside. Neighbors said the man had to be restrained, as the situation was too dangerous and the fire department had already been called.
That’s when a neighbor as yet-unidentified arrived with a sledgehammer and used it to gain entry into the home in time to rescue the woman. The neighbor later emerged with the woman in their arms, and all three were taken to the hospital before being discharged later.
“We want to recognize and commend the quick thinking and decisive action taken by one of our Arlington Heights residents that helped save a life,” Arlington Heights Fire Department officials said.
“This situation serves as an important reminder that every second matters. The willingness of a community member to step in and help before first responders arrive can make all the difference.”
“We are proud to serve a community that looks out for one another and we thank this resident for their actions and composure when it mattered most.”
WATCH the story from CBS News Chicago…
CELEBRATE This Heroic Neighbor’s Timely Intervention On Behalf Of His Community…