SHAWANO, WI- Four Shawano Police officers helped save a man’s life after a structure fire at an assisted living facility on Oak Court on February 24. The officers were recognized and awarded a Letter of Commendation at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday.

Officers Ronald Frechette and Officer Jacob Korth arrived on scene along with Officer Mequon Ferchette and Sergeant Scott Ruen. When Captain Shane Stange arrived on scene, the rescue was complete.

“It was cold that day and I saw those four guys with a gentleman laying on the concrete that was covered by a blanket,” Stange said. He learned that man was handicapped with a missing leg, and that it was his officers who rescued him.

“The room was filled with smoke so they could not see the gentleman at first, but after spraying with a fire extinguisher, they saw a person in the room on the bed,” Stange said. “The only way that they could get in there was to go down on their hands and knees and pulled the gentleman out.”

The male was taken to the hospital with a second degree burn to his leg. “If they did not do that, he would not be here today, said Stange. He said that quick reaction goes above and beyond their call of duty as an officer. “There would have been no disgrace if they felt it was too dangerous for them to do, but they put their lives on the line to save someone else and I think that is the highest calling you can have.” He added that the actions to exemplify the core values of the Shawano Police Department and their mission to protect and serve.

“Courage is you are afraid to do something and you still do it and I am proud to call these guys co-workers.”

Listen To Captain Shane Stange Below