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'I'd be dead': Man trapped inside house fire thanks police officer who rescued him

A Casa Grande police officer ripped down a door with his bare hands to rescue a man trapped inside of his house as it became engulfed in flames.

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — A man trapped inside his Casa Grande home as it became engulfed in flames called 911, and he couldn't be more thankful to the officer who responded.

“He needs a medal and a day named just to honor him," Scott Farley said. "That was above and beyond the call of duty." 

The heroic rescue by Casa Grande Police Officer Joshua Samuel was captured on his body camera video. 

The video shows Officer Samuel arriving at the home to hear screaming coming from inside. 

“It went so fast, I couldn’t do nothing," Farley said. "I couldn’t even see behind me. There was that much smoke." 

The only way in and out of the home was through a back door that was padlocked shut.

“I started praying and God was already at work," Farley said.

Farley could be heard panicking from the inside as Officer Samuel tried to kick in the door.

“I don’t want to go out this way," Farley could be heard saying in the body camera video, which was released by the Casa Grande Police Department on Friday.

"You’re going to be okay, sir. You’re going to be okay," Officer Samuel responded.

Officer Samuel then used his bare hands to rip the door off its hinges. 

*WARNING* This video may be disturbing for some. This morning, at 4:55 a.m., CGPD Officers responded to the report of a...

Posted by Casa Grande Police Department on Friday, December 13, 2024

Farley watched that freeing moment for the first time Sunday afternoon.

“I’d been dead, no question," Farley said.

Farley lost everything in the fire, including two of his dogs, Peanut and Bandit.

“I’ll have regrets until my dying day about not saving my babies," Farley said.

Farley is now looking for a new home and the means to start over and he's hoping Officer Samuel is recognized for this life-saving accomplishment.

Farley was not injured in the fire.

Two officers, including Officer Samuel, were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. Officer Samuel also had cuts and burns on his hands. They're both expected to be okay. 

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