Video captures O’Fallon police officers’ daring rescue of disabled man from burning home

For their life-saving efforts one night in March when they rescued a paraplegic man from his fire-engulfed residence, four O’Fallon police officers were honored with a special recognition.

Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman presented Sergeant Matt Plassman and Patrolmen Chad Finnan, Kenneth Morris, and Michael Shewmaker with a Meritorious Conduct Award at the O’Fallon City Council meeting May 6.

“The award stemmed from their act of courage when they entered a burning residence filled with heavy smoke and carried out a disabled man from inside the residence,” Brueggeman said.

The entire rescue was captured on body camera video.

In assisting the fire department in the 600 block of Carol Ann Drive on March 25, the officers didn’t know if anyone was inside, but they knew a son, age 33, and his paraplegic father lived there.

The son was able to get out, but the dad needed help. They ran in, locating the father in his bedroom, then carried him outside. Emergency medical services personnel treated him, then took him to a local hospital. Neither the man’s name nor his son’s was released.

Morris also is a volunteer firefighter with Emerald Mound Fire Department in Lebanon.

The body camera footage of the rescue was shown in council chambers Monday night.

“Congratulations and thank you for your selfless service to our community,” Brueggeman told them. Then, turning to the crowd, he said “They saved his life.”

This story was originally published May 8, 2024 at 3:46 PM.