SAD UPDATE | Nira M. McCollum, died Friday, February 3 after deputies rescued her from the burning home last week. Next of kin has been notified. The official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.
ORIGINAL STORY | Three sheriff's deputies helped rescue a woman from a burning home before the fire department arrived Friday night.
Around 10:15 p.m., dispatchers received a call from a frantic neighbor who said a house along 24th street in Sarasota was on fire. There were 3 deputies who were near the area and arrived at the home within a minute.
"There was no hesitation. There wasn't time for it," Deputy James Crosby said.
Deputy Crosby with the help of a Good Samaritan busted a window to get into the home. Deputy Crosby said it was hard to breathe and to see. He climbed out to try to get to the victim. Deputy Lindsey Fischer was there and helped too. Then Deputy Michael Buehler arrived shortly after that. They pushed a door open with the help of a Good Samaritan.
"I then saw this door that was nearby that was partially open, but we couldn't get it all the way open," Deputy Buehler said.
Once they got the door open, they could see the 83-year-old victim on the floor. They were able to pull her out and perform CPR. Authorities said she suffered smoke inhalation and she continues recovering at the hospital.
"I'm just so glad that we were able to get her out of the house," Deputy Fischer said.
