12 people, including four Farmington Hills police officers, were injured early Tuesday morning after a house fire broke out on Ten Mile Road.
Just before 5 a.m., 911 calls reported a fire in the 29000 block of Ten Mile, with people possibly trapped inside. Officers from the Farmington Hills Police Department arrived within 90 seconds. Crews from all five Farmington Hills fire stations responded shortly after.
When officers arrived, the home was already engulfed in flames. A resident on scene told police that multiple adults and children were still inside.
Officers Devin Hunt, Muhieddine Turk, and Timothy Shingleton entered through the back of the home. Inside, they found a man unconscious between a cabinet and a wall, with a 7-year-old girl pinned beneath him. A second man was helped over the pair and was able to crawl out. Officers freed the child and carried her to safety, then dragged the unconscious man to a rear door, where he regained consciousness and crawled out with assistance.
Officer Antoneta Bucaj entered through a side door and helped another adult and child escape. Officers also rescued two cats, which were taken to a local animal hospital. Two adults and a child had already made it outside by the time emergency crews arrived.
“The heroic actions of these four police officers exemplify the very best of public service. Without hesitation, they rushed into danger to rescue residents trapped in the burning home, demonstrating extraordinary courage and selflessness,” said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh in a news release.
Once fire crews were on scene, police confirmed that everyone was out of the home.
• Four adults were taken to the University of Michigan Hospital. Three remain in serious condition and are on ventilators. • Two children were taken to Mott Children’s Hospital. • Four officers were taken to DMC Detroit Receiving. Three remain in serious but stable condition and are on ventilators.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
