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By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News MUNCIE - An off-duty Indiana State Police is being called a hero after helping an elderly couple get to safety when a fire broke out last night at their Muncie home. According to the report, Trooper Jacob Ridgway, a one-year officer of the ISP Pendleton District, was driving through the area in his marked state police car at about 6 p.m. As he drove past the house, he reportedly noticed the smoke went from white to black-- growing increasingly thicker -- from his rear view mirror. Ridgway quickly backed up to respond to the scene and found a fully engulfed fire under the carport in the rear of the structure, spreading to the house. He was ultimately able to help the man and woman at the scene to safety. "This incident demonstrates more than just being at the right place at the right time. It serves as a reminder that an Indiana State Trooper is always on duty, and it further demonstrates the value of troopers living in the communities they serve," Public Information Officer John Bowling said. Bowling said the home owner, Jack Mitchener, 79, was standing outside the carport and appeared to be in shock as Ridgway directed him away from the fire A neighbor then arrived at the scene and informed the trooper that Mitchener’s 72-year-old wife, Virginia, was still in the house. The fire was spreading to the rear of the house by that time. "Ridgway was able to enter the home through a side patio door and found Mrs. Mitchener seated in a chair in the residence, with her walker nearby. Smoke was beginning to fill the rear of the house as Ridgway helped Mrs. Mitchener to the door," Bowling explained. Neighbors Scott and Linda Clark then reportedly helped get the woman safely away from the home after Ridgway assisted her to the doorway. "Ridgway then ran to his car and radioed Indiana State Police Dispatch to summon fire units. EMS units also responded and checked everyone at the scene," Bowling said, noting there were no injuries. Comments are closed.
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Lucy Perry
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