Colorado Deputies Rescue Children from Raging House Fire
Heart-pounding bodycam footage captures the moments two Colorado deputies jumped into action to save two children from a raging house fire this week.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office released footage showing deputies Ryan McConnell and Chris Calderon racing to the front door of a burning home in Centennial around noon on Sunday before firefighters arrived.
Colorado deputies sprang into action, showing courage in the face of chaos. In the midst of chaos, they shouted, “Sheriff’s office!” McConnell radioed in, making it clear: “Thick black smoke coming from the front door.” This was no drill. It was a real and dangerous situation.
When faced with a blocked entry to the backyard, the deputies devised an unconventional plan. They dashed through a neighbor’s property and began to dismantle the wooden fence, using sheer determination and their hands to create an opening. Their relentless efforts showcased their courage and commitment.
Through the thick smoke, they heard the desperate cries of two children, ages 14 and 8, pleading for help. Their voices pierced through the chaos, igniting a sense of urgency in the deputies. Calderon shouted, urging them to come to the side of the house. “Let’s hop this fence. Let’s break this fence down so we can get the kids out,” he emphasized, demonstrating their unwavering resolve.
With a sense of urgency, McConnell leaped over the fence while Calderon removed wooden panels by hand. “Hold on sweetie,” he reassured the girl struggling with the weight of her younger brother. The scene was frantic yet focused, their determination palpable.
Calderon assisted the girl to climb through the newly formed opening, while McConnell cradled the terrified boy, whose cries echoed in the bitter winter air: “My room’s on fire, my room’s on fire.” The weight of that statement hung heavy in the air as they navigated their way to safety. “I’m going to pass you to my buddy, OK?” McConnell reassured the boy, further emphasizing their teamwork and dedication to the children’s safety.
The boy, now barefoot on icy ground, fled towards safety, his trust in the deputies evident. Amid the urgency, Calderon reminded the girl to steer clear of the street as the blaring sirens of the firetruck signaled the arrival of additional help. The video concluded with firefighters arriving at the front of the home, as smoke enveloped the structure—a haunting reminder of the bravery unfolding just moments before.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office later reported that both deputies suffered from smoke inhalation and received on-site treatment from paramedics— a testament to the peril they faced.
With heartfelt gratitude, the sheriff’s office publicly acknowledged the deputies’ courage, proclaiming, “Today we want to thank you both for your bravery in the face of danger.” McConnell reflected on the rescue, stating, “It was a good feeling getting them out, especially knowing that they were so young.” His words conveyed the relief felt in the aftermath of such a harrowing event. “I’m just happy there was nobody else in the house that got caught in the flames. The smoke was so thick there was no way we would have been able to get in there anyway.”
This extraordinary incident serves as a reminder of the bravery displayed by first responders. It highlights the urgency and courage that surged through the deputies as they acted in the face of unimaginable danger, a vivid example of everyday heroism in action.
