Life Saving Incident

Sergeant Christopher Cornell and Police Officer Joshua Sears were among a group of Albany police officers who responded to a working structure fire on Third Avenue in the South End. Upon their arrival, the officers were met by a frantic woman who explained that her three year old son was still inside on the third floor. Two police officers attempted to make entry through the front door but were unable due to smoke and fire conditions. Sergeant Cornell and Officer Sears made their way to the rear fire escape where a group of neighbors told them they could hear the child crying inside of the smoke filled building. Both Sergeant Cornell and Officer Sears climbed the fire escape and eventually made entry into the apartment where they could hear the child crying but could not see him due to the smoke condition. Shortly after entering, Sergeant Cornell found the child not far from the door and was able to hand him off to neighbors outside. The child was transported to Albany Med where he is expected to be okay. Both Sergeant Cornell and Officer Sears were also treated for smoke inhalation and released.