LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- A Clarksville police officer is being credited with helping a family escape an early-morning house fire after spotting heavy smoke while on patrol.
Around 4:45 a.m. on Dec. 7, Officer Matthew Purlee was driving along Eastern Boulevard when he noticed thick smoke hanging in the air. He followed it to a home on Evergreen Drive, where flames were coming from the chimney of a multi-unit residence.
Purlee rushed to the door and found the residents still inside — unaware the house was burning. He woke the occupants and helped them evacuate safely.
Officers Layman and Archer soon arrived and searched the structure to ensure no one else was inside before firefighters took over.
The Clarksville Fire Department responded moments later, worked to control the fire and secured the building.
“We want to highlight Officer Purlee’s vigilance and attention to detail,” Chief Nathan Walls said. “This is what I have come to expect from our people. It’s truly a privilege to have officers like that on our team.”
No injuries were reported.
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