Top Cop March 2008

On March 20th 2008 Police Officers Peter Larocco and Joseph Franolich were working a night tour assigned to the Sixth Precinct. At 0446 hours a call went out for a woman screaming in the vicinity of 30 Linford Rd in Russell Gardens. As the Officers arrived on scene they observed a house fully engulfed in flames. On the second floor was a family of six screaming for help. A mother, father and four small children ranging in age from 8 months to 7 years were trapped with no way out.

The father desperate to save his children began dropping them to a neighbor who broke there fall. The Officers ran to an open garage and found an extension ladder. They extended the ladder up to the second floor. The ladder fell several feet short of the window forcing the Officers to stand on the top rung risking serious injury. Officer Larocco climbed the ladder and took the 8 month old baby from the parents bringing her to safety. As Officer Franolich secured the ladder Officer Larocco climbed the ladder two more times rescuing the mother and father. The six family members were transported to NUMC and treated for smoke inhalation. The family’s home was completely destroyed by the inferno.

If not for the actions of Officers Larocco and Franolich a terrible tragedy would have occurred that day. Due to the courage of these Officers this family of six will continue to enjoy life and will remain extremely grateful that Officers Larocco and Franolich were working that night.

Posted Friday, February 1, 2008

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