FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WWJ) -- A Farmington Hills police officer is being called a hero after rescuing an elderly woman from a burning home last week.
Officer Ryan Yudt and his partner K-9 Dozer were off-duty around 2:45 p.m. on Oct. 25 when they noticed heavy smoke coming from a subdivision near Farmington and 6 Mile Roads in Livonia and jumped into action.
Officials with the Farmington Hills Police Department say Yudt was able to locate the source of the billowing smoke, which was coming from a home that was fully engulfed in flames.
Livonia home engulfed in flamesFarmington Hills Police Department
At the time, the Livonia Fire Department hadn't received any calls reporting the fire, and Yudt got out of his vehicle.
A group of neighbors in the area told Yudt that an elderly woman lived in the home and was believed to still be inside, so the officer attempted to rescue her.
Initially, Yudt tried to go in through the front door, but the heavy smoke and extreme heat were too much, so he ran to the back of the home, where he was able to get in, police said.
Once he was inside, Yudt was able to find the woman, who was disoriented. He carried her out of the home to safety, as Livonia firefighters arrived on scene.
The woman, whose name and age were not disclosed, was treated for her injuries.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, the police department said.
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King says if it weren't for "the heroic intervention of Officer Yudt, this resident may not have survived the smoke and fire spreading rapidly throughout her home.
"Our Department is proud of Officer Yudt's actions in saving this woman's life," King said. "His conduct is indicative of the extraordinary bravery of our Officers and their commitment to serving and ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of circumstances or zip code."
Farmington Hills police officer Ryan Yudt and K-9 DozerFarmington Hills Police Department
