Philadelphia Cop Faces His Fear to Save 5-Year-Old from Rooftop

A brave Philadelphia officer saves a child from a rooftop, overcoming his fear of heights in a daring rescue caught on bodycam.

by Admin

May 30, 2025

Philadelphia police officer after rescuing 5-year-old from rooftop in a heroic moment

A Scary Sight on 64th Street

On December 17, 2024, neighbors on the 1000 block of N. 64th Street in Philadelphia made an urgent 911 call: a 5-year-old boy was spotted walking alone on his family’s roof, more than 20 feet above ground. The child was barefoot, dressed only in a t-shirt and a diaper.

Officer Eric Robbins with the Philadelphia Police Department responded immediately. Despite his own fear of heights, he rushed toward the scene, determined to act fast before the child fell.

Bodycam Captures the Brave Moment

Body camera footage shows Officer Robbins sprinting up the stairs inside the house, moving toward an open window on the second floor. Without hesitating, he climbed through it and stepped onto the roof.

“I just locked onto the kid and started trying to map out how I can safely grab the kid without startling him and not fall off the roof. I don’t think he knew I was there,” Robbins recalled.

Miraculously, he reached the boy and pulled him away from the edge, completing the rooftop rescue without injury to either of them.

A Parent’s Gratitude

The boy’s parents, overwhelmed by the incident, didn’t wish to appear on camera but sent a heartfelt note to the department:

“As a parent, I cannot express how much it means to know there are officers dedicated to protecting and serving with such compassion.”

For Robbins, the moment was deeply personal.

“Instantly overcoming my fear of heights and getting him off the roof… it hit home because it could have been my kid and I would want someone to do the same,” he said.

Why This Matters

Stories like these show why the brave police officers of the Philadelphia Police Department and departments nationwide deserve recognition. This act of heroism is more than a rescue; it’s a reminder of the human courage behind the badge.

At We Love Police, we honor the officers who show courage, humanity, and professionalism in moments that matter most. For more stories like this, visit our Acts of Heroism section. You can also sign up for our newsletter to be the first to read our latest uplifting police stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you do if you see a child on a rooftop or in danger?

Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to reach the child yourself, as it may startle them. Trained emergency responders know how to approach high-risk situations safely.

What are police body cameras used for?

Body cameras record interactions between officers and the public. They offer transparency, help with evidence collection, and are used for accountability and training purposes.

How common are rooftop rescue incidents involving children?

They are rare but serious. When they occur, they often involve unsupervised children accessing open windows or fire escapes. These situations require swift and careful police emergency response.

How do police respond to child endangerment calls?

Officers prioritize the child’s safety, assess the environment, and act quickly, often coordinating with other first responders. Police compassion and training play a crucial role in these moments.