(Westland, MI) --- On March 12, 2015 the Westland Police Department recognized 14 police officers and four dispatchers for their life-saving actions during the January 15th fire at the Presbyterian Village.
The following officers and dispatchers were presented with departmental awards by Deputy Chief Brian Miller during the police department roll call.
"As officers, they put their lives on the line every day," said Chief Jeff Jedrusik. "They take risks in their jobs that most people will never experience and our priority is to keep our citizens safe. I am so proud of the work our officers do every day and they deserve special recognition."
Life Saving Awards included: Westland Sergeants Robert Kenyon and James Francisco, Westland Officers Matt Allen, James Compton, Robert Fruit, Cale Furney, Derek Gomez, Bryan Jachym, Edward Pawlowski, and Andrew Techendorf, Inkster Sergeant Kritzner, Inkster Officers Melendez and Randazzo, and Garden City Officer Pelaccio.
Department Citations: Westland Dispatchers Adrienne Carter, Angela Clark, Michelle Randolph, and Michelle McNulty.
On January 15, 2015 at 1:47 A.M. a large fire occurred inside of the Presbyterian Village Retirement Community located at 32001 Cherry Hill Rd, Westland. Along with the Wayne Westland Fire Authority, members of the Westland, Garden City, and Inkster Police Departments assisted. When officers arrived an area of the building was already fully engulfed in flames. Officers at the scene immediately took action and began evacuating residents without regard for their own safety. Without hesitation officers kicked open locked doors and broke out apartment windows to evacuate the residents.
Some residents were unable to walk and had to be carried by officers. After transporting the residents to safety, many officers reentered the burning building, again risking their own lives, to located additional residents in need of assistance.
Two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene while one had to be transported to Garden City Hospital for treatment. In all 30-40 residents were evacuated from the home. Due to the officers and fire fighters actions that night, many lives were saved. The Westland Police Department is proud to recognize these officers for their bravery and their efforts to ensure the safety of the residents of the City of Westland.
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