Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
Three police officers with the Rose Hill Police Department were awarded the Medal of Valor during a City Council meeting on December 16 for their courage and heroism during a tragic house fire in April.
On April 20 around 3am, Butler County Emergency Communications received a call of distress from a woman with an unknown problem. As the Butler County Sheriff’s Office made their way to the home located at 15400 block of SW County Line Road in rural Rose Hill, a second 911 call was received by Butler County Emergency Communications. The second caller was another woman who said she has no visibility in her home and that smoke had filled the air. Upon receiving this information, fire and Butler Emergency Medical Services were dispatched immediately.
When first responders arrived at the scene, the home was already engulfed in flames. The mission to tame the fire and locate any victims commenced. Among the first responders were Rose Hill Police Sgt. Joel Sibley, Officer Zack Hobson and Officer Will Bishop, who selflessly ran towards the fire in an attempt to help anyone inside.
The men had no training in fighting fires and no protective gear to fight the heart and smoke, which placed them in great danger and saving other lives as their top priority. Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier says this demonstrated the moral code of the Rose Hill Police Department, which stands as: Dedication, integrity, and compassion.
“These officers are invaluable assets to this agency and community,” said Chief Parlier.
The three men from the Rose Hill Police Department attempted to make entry into the home in several ways but after the fire became overwhelming, it became apparent it was no longer safe for the officers to continue.
Upon the arrival of Butler County Fire District #3,(BCFD #3), personnel, the three officers continued to help carry ladders, and inform the responding team of what happened prior to their presence. Due to their effort and collaboration with BCFD #3, the fire personnel were able to gain entry into the home and remove one woman from the fire, later identified as 80-year-old Paula Williams. She was transported to a Wichita area hospital in extremely critical condition where she succumbed to her injuries.
After the fire was extinguished, two more victims were able to be located but had passed away in the fire, identified as 55-year-old Phillip Williams and 52-year-old Melissa Williams, who were son and daughter in law to Paula.
“While words cannot bring back lives lost, it is my sincere hope that these Officers know they did everything that could have been done,” said Chief Parlier. “I extend my thanks to them for their dedication, and the compassion they showed in trying to save human lives at the risk of their own.”
Thank you to all first responders who put their own lives at risk everyday.A continual dedication to their service, commitment to safety and an ongoing regard for life shown by these men is a great example of why we’re Butler County proud.
