Florida police officers are being praised for a daring rescue that saved a man inside a burning home last week.
The incident happened around 9:15 p.m. Aug. 9 when Tampa police responded to a house fire, according to a department news release. At the scene, they saw thick plumes of black smoke issuing from the residence as a large part of the structure was engulfed in flames.
"Without a second thought, these officers went in," the department stated. "They found the man just a few feet from the front door and quickly pulled him out to safety."
Recently released body camera footage captured the rescue. In the video, officers are seen dragging the man by his ankles and carrying him out of the burning home.
The video shows one of the officers holding the man’s ankle. They dragged and carried him out, as a woman shouted nervously outside. The police officers were in the house for about 30 seconds.
The man and the responding officers were treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished, and it was determined to be accidental.
"Thanks to (the officers') brave and fast actions, a life was saved," the department stated.
