Massachusetts State Trooper’s quick thinking saves residents involved in house fire

A Massachusetts State Trooper saved the lives of several residents who were involved in a serious house fire.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Liam Jones, who is part of the department’s deployment into Springfield to assist city police during the current public health emergency, was exiting the parking lot of the MSP barracks when he heard a call for a fire at 20 Parkside Street, a residence close to the barracks. Sgt. Jones arrived at the address about 15 seconds later, the first first-responder on scene, and observed thick black smoke and large flames bellowing from the dormer located in the central part of the roof.

Sgt. Jones ran into the two-family home, entered the first floor, and yelled for the residents to exit the apartment. An elderly woman and two adult men exited their rooms and got out of the apartment. Sgt. Jones then started up the stairs as several people began exiting the second floor apartment and directed everyone to exit the dwelling. Sgt. Jones then proceeded to the second floor and checked all rooms in the apartment to make sure no one was left on the floor, according to police. Sergeant Jones then attempted to climb to the third floor, but was turned back by thick smoke and extreme heat on the top of the stairs. The sergeant then returned to the first floor to make sure everyone was out of the house.

Once outside, Sgt. Jones directed the residents to get across the street, and then confirmed that all residents were accounted for. Within seconds, Springfield Fire companies and Springfield Police arrived on scene. Two second floor residents were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation. Sadly, two dogs did not make it out of the house. Sgt. Jones’ heroic efforts, which almost certainly prevented additional injuries and even greater loss of life.