Rampart Officers Rescue 90-year-old Woman from Burning Home NR12022SF

Los Angeles:  Earlier today at around 9:35 a.m., Police Officers Seree Rattanapichetkul and Anthony Farias, both assigned to Rampart Division were on patrol, when they saw heavy smoke coming from the upper level of a home located in the 1100 block of S. Westlake Avenue.  

After requesting the Fire Department to respond to their location, they immediately stopped to assist anyone who may be within the burning house. The residents of the single family home were now gathered in the front porch area and the officers immediately broke down a chain link gate to swiftly escort them to a safer location.

As the smoke increased and filled the downstairs floor of the home, the officers were told that there was a 90-year-old woman in the back room on the ground floor.  Making their way through the smoke filled home, the officers along with a resident located the woman and led her out the front door to safety.  Though told that everyone was safe and accounted for, the officers ran back into the house to ensure that no one remained inside. All of the residents were out of the house.

Occupants of the home and the officers were examined by paramedics at scene and were treated for minor smoke inhalation.  Due to the swift actions of the residents and Officers Farias and Rattanapichetkul, everyone survived the blaze and no one was seriously injured.  

Police Officers Seree Rattanapichetkul and Anthony Farias are available for media interviews on Sunday, January 15, 2012, until 6:30 p.m.  To meet with the rescuing officers, please call Lieutenant Wes Buhrmester or Sergeant Bob Bishop, Rampart Division at 213- 484-3400.