Police Teamwork Saves 5 From Raging New York House Fire

Mount Vernon police officers acted with no hesitation, catching a 3-year-old dropped from a window and climbing a burning home to save 4 others.

by Admin

Sep 19, 2025

The quiet of an early Sunday morning in Mount Vernon, New York, was shattered by the glow of a raging fire. Shortly after 2 a.m., a three-story home on North Macquesten Parkway was engulfed in flames, trapping the residents inside. While most of the city slept, members of the Mount Vernon Police Department were racing toward the danger, their arrival marking the beginning of an incredible story of survival and trust.

A Desperate Plea from Above

When officers from Patrol Squad 5 arrived, they were met by a scene of chaos and fear. Heavy black smoke poured from the building, and from a second-floor window, a woman and a small child were screaming for help. Sgt. Rizzo and Officer Mason immediately attempted to make entry but were driven back by the intense heat and smoke. Realizing a different approach was needed, the officers looked up and saw Natalie Jimenez, who had to make an impossible choice. The officers pleaded with her to drop her 3-year-old daughter into their arms below. It was a terrifying moment that required absolute faith. "It took all of me to be able to trust this person with my daughter," Jimenez later recalled. "All I could think about is if this goes wrong, that is it."

Heroes Forging a Human Ladder

That leap of faith was the first step in a daring rescue. As the child was safely caught and escorted away, the officers focused on the four people still trapped. With no time to spare, the team showed incredible creative problem-solving. Sgt. Rizzo and Officer Hunter-Carney began climbing the front porch. Other officers, including Officer Marcano and Officer Belliard, lifted them higher, allowing them to reach the porch roof. From that position, the two officers managed to safely remove and lower the remaining residents, including Jimenez and her cousin, Anthony Oquendo. Their seamless teamwork and physical strength turned a desperate situation into a successful rescue. Even neighbors joined the effort, with Barry Crumbley using his garden hose to fight back the flames before the fire department arrived.

A Community Rallies Together

Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of the Mount Vernon Police Department, all five occupants escaped the blaze. This event was a powerful example of a multi-agency response, with the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management arriving to extinguish the fire and manage the scene. The city’s support for the victims continued after the smoke cleared, with housing assistance provided to the displaced family. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard later acknowledged the incredible group effort that ensured a positive outcome.

A Foundation of Trust

This was more than just a house fire rescue; it was a powerful reminder of the human connection at the heart of policing. In a moment of absolute vulnerability, a mother placed her child’s life in the hands of officers, and they proved worthy of that trust. These acts of courage, performed with no hesitation, demonstrate a profound commitment to community and are a testament to why we need police.

For more inspiring police stories, please explore our other articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What role do police play during a house fire?

Police officers are often the first emergency personnel to arrive at a fire. Their initial role is critical and includes evacuating residents, securing the area to allow fire departments access, redirecting traffic, and performing immediate rescues if necessary and possible before firefighters are on scene.

2. Are police officers trained for fire rescues?

While not trained to the same extent as firefighters, police academy training includes comprehensive emergency response education. Officers are trained in risk assessment, first aid, CPR, and basic rescue techniques. Their primary focus is on preserving life, and they will act decisively in life-or-death situations to help people escape immediate danger.

3. Why are police often the first to arrive at an emergency?

Police departments typically have patrol officers actively moving throughout the community 24/7. This widespread, mobile presence means they are often geographically closest to an incident when a 911 call is placed, allowing them to provide the fastest initial response to any type of emergency, not just crimes.

4. What is the safest way for a civilian to help at the scene of a fire?

The safest and most effective way to help is to call 911 immediately, providing a clear address and details. After calling, get to a safe distance and keep others away from the building. If you have information for first responders (like how many people are inside), be ready to provide it to the first police officer or firefighter you see. Never enter a burning building.

5. How do police and fire departments work together during a crisis?

Police and fire departments operate under a system of coordinated emergency response. Police typically handle scene security, crowd control, and evacuations, creating a safe perimeter for firefighters to work. They maintain constant communication to ensure the response is efficient and that all public safety aspects of the incident are managed.

6. What kind of support is available for families who lose their homes in a fire?

After a fire, local emergency management offices and organizations like the American Red Cross step in to provide immediate assistance. This support often includes temporary housing, financial aid for food and clothing, and connections to community resources to help families begin the recovery process.