Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Tucumcari Police officers searched a residence on South Mountain Road as flames consume the porch.
Two Tucumcari Police officers who entered a burning house to assure occupants got to safety received "wreath of valor" awards from Police Chief David Lathrom Thursday during a Tucumcari City Commission meeting.
Patrol Officer Reyes Gonzales and Corporal Stephanie Coon were the first to arrive at a house fire near Rankin Avenue and Mountain Road just after midnight on Feb. 22, Lathrom said.
Gonzalez thought there were people inside the house, so he walked past flames on the porch to enter the front door to find occupants.
Meanwhile, Coon arrived and heard occupants inside the home and entered through the back door.
Both officers found occupants of the house and guided them to safety before firefighters arrived.
When firefighters arrived, Lathrom said, Gonzalez helped them fight the fire.
"By their swift and unselfish action, they saved lives and helped to minimize property loss," Lathrom said.