Crime & Safety

Racine Deputy Saves Unresponsive Man From Fire: Reports

A deputy entered a fiery, smokey basement to find an unresponsive man barely breathing.

UNION GROVE, WI — A Racine County sheriff's deputy is being praised for saving an unresponsive man from the basement of a house on fire, reports say. Deputy Eric Schneider responded to the house soon around 5 a.m. Monday.

Neighbors had reported they saw the house in the 1200 block of High Street was on fire, but noted that they didn't see anybody leave the home.

Schneider's knocks on doors and windows went unanswered, but he found an unlocked sliding door leading to the basement, according to the Journal Times. Smoke poured out as he opened it, and he yelled into the basement.

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See footage of the event on FOX6.

Soon after, one man, the homeowner, came out of the basement. He thought his wife was still in the house, but she was later found at a different house in the neighborhood, the Journal Times reported.

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Despite the smoke and flames, Schneider checked the basement and found an unresponsive man who was barely breathing. He pulled the man, who is said to be in his 20s or 30s, to safety.

Sheriff Schmaling quoted the deputy as saying "Well, Sheriff, that's just part of my job."

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