TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE, New York (WWNY) – Body camera video shows the dramatic rescue of an 80-year-old man from his burning home in St. Lawrence County.
New York State Police said Trooper James Bertram was working in the area when he heard dispatchers call firefighters to Haggert Road in the town of Oswegatchie shortly after 11 a.m.
He rushed to the scene, where he saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the home and learned there was someone still inside.
Bertram entered the burning house, located the man, and helped him get out.
The video
In the video, Bertram runs to the home where flames can be seen shooting from a window.
He runs around the house until he finds a woman on a deck, standing in front of a sliding door to the house, with thick black smoke pouring from it.
Bertram asks the woman, “How far in is he?” She replies that she doesn’t know.
The sound of a man’s voice can be heard coming from inside. Bertram appears to get on his hands and knees to crawl toward the man, instructing him to follow the sound of his voice.
The man is then helped to his feet and brought outside.
Second trooper assists at scene
A second state trooper, Craig Thornhill, arrived at the scene and assisted Bertram and the man after they escaped the home.
Thornhill is seen in the video carrying the man to the road.
The man, whose name was not released, was taken to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and later transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for further treatment.
His injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. Police declined to comment on the nature of his injuries.
State police statement
“The New York State Police recognize Trooper Bertram and Trooper Thornhill for their quick response and courageous actions during the incident,” state police said in a news release. “Their actions reflect the dedication and commitment to public safety demonstrated by New York State Troopers every day.”
The Ogdensburg, Morristown, Hammond, Brier Hill, and Heuvelton fire departments and the county sheriff’s office also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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