Watch Mich. Police Officer Kick in Door to Save Man in House Fire

A Michigan police officer kicked down a door in order to save a man and his three dogs from a house fire over the weekend.

The rescue happened at around 2:40 p.m. Saturday when Sterling Heights Police Officer Jesse Ingrum was part of the response to a residential fire, the department stated in a news release. When Ingrum was at the back of the house, he heard screams for help and banging from inside, and he tried to get inside the home.

The house's back door was locked, forcing Ingrum to kick in the door. Once inside, he discovered a disoriented man—identified as the homeowner—on the ground with a bleeding head wound.

Ingrum helped the man up and get him to safety. While he was assisting the homeowner, other officers were saving the man's three dogs elsewhere in the house.

“I commend my officers for their quick thinking and selflessness," Chief Dale Dwojakowski said in a statement. "Their actions undoubtedly saved a man and his dogs lives. They acted with courage and determination, putting their own safety at risk to protect others. I’m proud of the officer’s heroic efforts and grateful that all involved were able to escape the incident safely.”

According to police, the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen and quickly engulfed the rest of the house. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flame, and medics treated the homeowner after the rescue.