Deputy Andrew Jenkins

(Eaton County Sheriff's Office, MI)

On December 20, 2016, Deputy Andrew Jenkins was working uniform patrol in Delta Charter Township, Eaton County when he heard a radio transmission that the Delta Township fire department was responding to a fire in a condominium. He immediately responded to the scene.

As the first emergency responder to arrive, Deputy Jenkins observed smoke coming from the front door of the condominium. Despite the lack of fire protection clothing, equipment, or firefighter training, Deputy Jenkins entered the residence without hesitation. Once inside, he saw that there were three adult occupants just inside the living room, which was on fire. Learning that two of the three residents were disabled and could not walk, he knew that he would have to work quickly to take each one to safety.

As the fire intensified, Deputy Jenkins repeatedly entered the residence to rescue each of the occupants, physically carrying them as necessary, and moving them outside to safety. As he carried the last victim out of the residence, the fire flashed and engulfed the entire room and doorway. The Delta Charter Township Fire Chief John Clark later stated that at that instant, the temperature of the room was near 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

All three residents were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation, and the male resident was later transferred to the University of Michigan Hospital Burn Unit for treatment. Deputy Jenkins was also treated for smoke inhalation at the hospital and released the next morning.

The actions of Deputy Jenkins demonstrated extraordinary bravery, decisiveness, and a willingness to protect the lives of others, without regard to his own personal safety.

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