By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
ANTWERP TWP. – A Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office sergeant is being credited with saving the life of a man who was unable to get himself off his burning bed early Tuesday morning May 7, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that at approximately 2:30 a.m., a homeowner in the 50000 block of 29 1/2 Street, Antwerp Township, called 911 to report that he was in bed, the bed was on fire, and that he was unable to get himself off the bed and into his wheelchair.
A Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was the first to arrive on-scene and had to kick in the door to gain entry. The residence was found to be filled with smoke. The sergeant was able to make his way to the back of the residence where the subject was found still in the smoldering bed. The male was then carried through the length of the residence and back to the entry door where he and the sergeant were then assisted outside by Mattawan Fire District members and the Paw Paw Police Department.
Shortly after all parties were safe and outside the residence, the house became fully engulfed in flames, which was then extinguished by members of the Mattawan Fire District
Sheriff Abbott said the victim sustained burns to his legs and feet and suffered from smoke inhalation. He was transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, by Van Buren Emergency Medical Services (VBEMS) His status, at this time, is not known, according to Sheriff Abbott.
The Van Buren County sergeant was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated in the bed based upon initial observations by first responders, is unknown.
Also assisting at the scene was the Mattawan Quick Response Team.
