ommunications officers, police officers, and firefighters from Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills were recognized last night for their heroic and coordinated efforts in rescuing a trapped individual from a burning residence on the night of January 7, 2025.
At 11:15 PM, a 9-1-1 call reported a residential structure fire in Watauga, with the caller stating a family member was still inside the burning home during evacuation. The NRHW Public Safety Dispatch Center swiftly dispatched units from Watauga Fire and Police, along with automatic aid partners, at 11:16 PM.
Watauga Fire units arrived on scene at 11:19 PM, less than four minutes after dispatch, significantly outpacing national response averages. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible, and the confirmation of a trapped victim heightened the urgency.
Fire crews immediately launched an aggressive interior fire attack and a rapid primary search, working in tandem with police officers who had arrived on scene. Under hazardous conditions, they entered the smoke-filled structure.
By 11:25 PM, just ten minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call, firefighters located the victim in a bedroom, safely removed them from the dangerous environment, and transferred them to EMS personnel for immediate medical attention.
The successful rescue was attributed to the first responders' rapid response, seamless coordination between fire and police departments, and decisive fireground operations. The recognition ceremony celebrated the combined expertise and bravery of these men and women who demonstrated the highest standard of public safety service, embodying the motto "Protecting with Purpose; Serving with PRIDE."
