For Immediate Release: July 1, 2015
Officer’s heroism honored with national medal
RPD officer rescued woman from burning home
Roswell, N.M. — Roswell Police Department Officer Christopher King has been honored with the Carnegie Medal for Heroism. The Roswell officer is among 18 people nationwide to be recognized this week with the medal. He was honored for his actions in rescuing a woman from a Roswell house fire in January 2014.
When Officer King arrived at the burning house in the north part of the city, he realized immediate action was needed to rescue a woman inside the home. The woman could be heard calling for help from the interior of the structure that was now in flames and heavy smoke. Neighbors were calling to her, but she could not make her
own way out.
Entering through a back door, Officer King located the woman in a corner of the home. She was unable to move on her own, so Officer King dragged her outside to the back porch, where he collapsed to the ground, struggling to breathe after venturing inside amid the thick and choking smoke. Officer King and the woman were taken to a hospital, where Officer King was treated for smoke inhalation. The woman was flown to another hospital,
but, sadly, died a few days later as a result of the fire’s impact on her.
This past January, the Roswell Police Department recognized Officer King’s actions by
presenting him with the department’s Life-Saving Award.
More information about the Carnegie Medal can be found at:
http://www.carnegiehero.org/awardees/carnegie-medal-awardees-june-30-2015/#0
