Detective alerts families to house fire

By: Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com
@MRandallABC6

A Cranston police officer is being hailed a hero. The detective sprung into action after seeing smoke pouring out of a Cranston home Wednesday morning. Because of her quick response everyone made it out safely.

Thick black smoke was already pouring out of 18 Florida Ave. by the time Paula Duffy was driving by before 11 AM. Without considering her own personal safety the veteran detective called 911 and ran into the burning home. The family living on the first floor was completely unaware of what was happening.

“I just screamed get out. Get out get out. There’s a fire!” Duffy told reporters during an afternoon press conference.

She’s being hailed a hero by those she rescued from the 2 alarm fire including a man and his 5th month old baby.  But Detective Duffy is humble. She says her 25 years of training just kicked in

“It comes natural. I’ve been doing this for such a long time that are instinct kicks in and we do what we’re taught to do which is protect the public and save lives,” she said.

There were no injuries to tenants or firefighters, but Duffy’s job wasn’t done. A pet lover, she also helped one family’s dog who had inhaled too much smoke and needed oxygen.

Firefighters are investigating the cause, but were troubled by one piece of information. One of the tenants reported smelling smoke earlier in the day, but never called it in. The Fire chief stresses the importance of calling 911 if there is an actual emergency.

“You can see the station from here. That’s how close we are. If we had been called here earlier we could have done an investigation and found the fire,” said Chief Bill McKenna of the Cranston Fire Department.

Those living the in the immediate neighborhood and the community are pulling together to help the families get back on their feet.  Detective Duffy is keeping them in her thoughts, too. 

“I know that if they need anything that we’ll continue to help that family. As police officers we’ll do what we can,” she said.

The house sustained thousands of dollars in damage. A building inspector was being called in to evaluate the situation.

© WLNE-TV 2015