What:
Press Conference

When:
Friday, January 25, 2002, at 3:00 p.m.

Where:
17848 Duncan Street, Reseda

Reseda: On January 25, 2002, at approximately 12:05 PM, West Valley Patrol Officers Brad Kolfschoten, 31 years of age and five and ½ years with the Department and Fidencio Piña, 29 years of age and two and ½ years with the Department, were conducting a traffic stop at Victory Boulevard just west of Zelzah Avenue when a female citizen stopped them and told them that a house was on fire in the 17800 block of Duncan Street about a ¼ mile away from their location. The officers immediately responded and observed a house at 17848 Duncan Street with flames and billowing smoke coming from the rooftop.

The officers went to the front of the house and had to pound on the front door to get the attention of the residents inside. Three adult women were inside and were unaware that their house was on fire. One officer helped the women to remove their three dogs and two cats while the other officer climbed a tree and, with a garden hose, began fighting the fire. The police officers continued their firefighting and rescue efforts until relieved by responding LAFD firefighters.

Due to their quick response and bravery, Officers Kolfschoten and Piña were able to save three women and their animals from serious harm and also saved the house from more serious structural damage.

The officers and women they saved will be made available for interview at the press conference located at the fire scene.

For more information please contact LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586. This media advisory was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Assistance Officer in Charge.