Centennial Deputies Heroically Save Children from Home Fire
In a dramatic rescue on Sunday, two deputies from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office saved two children trapped in the backyard of a burning home in Centennial, Colorado. The incident occurred around 11:53 a.m. on S Gibraltar Lane, where a significant fire prompted firefighters to adopt a "defensive mode" to control the flames.
Deputies Ryan McConnell and Christopher Calderon were the first responders on the scene. McConnell, an eight-year veteran, described a harrowing moment when he heard screams while approaching the burning residence. Ignoring the thick smoke, he and Calderon quickly navigated through the hazardous environment to locate the children, ultimately carrying them to safety over a neighbor’s fence amid debris and flames.
While the deputies treated themselves for smoke inhalation and were released shortly after, one firefighter was transported to the hospital, marking a concerning tally of three injured first responders. Emergency teams, including the South Metro Fire Rescue and multiple local agencies, worked tirelessly at the fire scene. Thankfully, all residents of the home were accounted for, although six pets—one dog and five cats—remain unaccounted for.
Investigators from the South Metro Fire Rescue’s Marshal’s Office are currently looking into the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, both deputies expressed their commitment to serving the community. Calderon noted the importance of helping those in need, while McConnell emphasized the calling of their job to protect and assist others in emergencies.
Updates will follow as the investigation continues into this concerning incident and the fate of the missing pets.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com