In a dramatic display of heroism, two deputies from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Ryan McConnell and Chris Calderon, bravely intervened to rescue two children trapped in a burning house in Centennial, Colorado. Bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s office captured the moment deputies responded to the scene around noon on a Sunday, frantically attempting to reach the children before firefighters arrived. Upon arrival, they noticed heavy black smoke billowing out from the front door and quickly assessed the scene, realizing immediate action was necessary to save the children’s lives.
The situation was complicated when the deputies discovered they could not reach the backyard through a blocked gate. Demonstrating determination and resourcefulness, McConnell and Calderon accessed a neighboring property, where they physically tore down a portion of the wooden fence to create an opening. Their urgency escalated as they heard the terrified cries of the children, a 14-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother, pleading for help from the other side of the home. The deputies instinctively shouted for guidance, urging the children to make their way to the side where they could assist them.
In a pivotal moment of the rescue, Calderon instructed McConnell to scale the fence while he helped clear the panels away to facilitate the children’s escape. The frantic context intensified when the girl expressed her distress about not being able to help her younger brother, who was struggling to escape due to his size. The deputies worked together seamlessly — Calderon assisted the girl in climbing through the fence opening, while McConnell lifted the boy, who was in a panic, exclaiming that his room was on fire. Their rapid response and ability to communicate calmly with the children were critical in fostering a sense of safety amid the chaos.
As they maneuvered the children out of harm’s way, McConnell reassured the boy, communicating clearly in a tense moment, “I’m going to pass you to my buddy, OK?” This exchange exemplified the deputies’ focus on the children’s well-being. The boy, barefoot on the cold, snow-laden ground, continued to express fear while fleeing the dangers of the fire. Calderon, attentive to both children, continuously communicated with the girl to keep her safe from the street as they awaited the arrival of emergency services. The scene, filled with urgency and tension as the fire truck finally arrived, highlighted the critical timing of the deputies’ actions.
Once the children were safely out, Calderon warned the girl to stay clear of the street, emphasizing their role as protectors in this frightening scenario. The bodycam footage concluded with firefighters arriving at the scene, ready to handle the dangerous situation, while black smoke continued to pour from the home. In the aftermath, it was reported that both deputies suffered from smoke inhalation and received treatment from paramedics on site. This harrowing incident is a reminder of the risks faced by first responders and their unwavering commitment to the community.
Expressing gratitude for their courageous actions, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office publicly commended McConnell and Calderon, stating, “Today we want to thank you both for your bravery in the face of danger.” Interviewed after the ordeal, Deputy McConnell reflected on the emotional weight of the rescue, noting, “It was a good feeling getting them out of there, especially knowing that they were so young.” He underscored the perilous circumstances in which they operated, highlighting how they could not have entered the house due to the overwhelming smoke and flames. Their bravery saved the lives of two innocent children, reinforcing the importance of quick thinking and courage in emergency situations.
