On February 21, 2025, two police officers made a dramatic rescue when they caught a 3-year-old girl and a family dog thrown from a burning apartment balcony in Milpitas, California. This is the story of how police catch 3-year-old girl and dog from burning apartment, which became a moment of heroism that touched the whole nation.
What Happened – Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | February 21, 2025 |
| Location | South Park Victoria Drive, Milpitas, CA |
| Time | Around 3:10 p.m. |
| Officers Involved | Ricardo Barragan & Trayvon Hartley |
| Family Trapped | 2 adults, 1 toddler, 1 dog |
| Injuries | None |
The Emergency Call
A resident called 911 and said, “There’s a fire, and we can’t get out.” The fire had blocked all doors, so the family moved to their second-floor balcony. Furthermore, thick smoke quickly filled the area around them.
Officers Arrived in Under Two Minutes
Officers Barragan and Hartley reached the scene in less than two minutes. However, the entrance was fully blocked by flames. Therefore, they quickly made a plan to rescue the family from below.
The Dramatic Catch
First, the officers guided the parents to drop their 3-year-old daughter from the balcony. One officer shouted:
“Throw her. I got her. Drop her.”
Officer Hartley successfully caught the toddler. Then, Officer Barragan caught the family dog moments later. After that, firefighters arrived and safely brought the two adults down.
No One Was Hurt
Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries. Additionally, the Milpitas Police Department connected the family with Red Cross resources to help them recover.
Why This Rescue Matters?
- Officers made split-second decisions under pressure
- Teamwork between police, dispatchers, and firefighters saved lives
- Both officers are local “hometown kids” from the Milpitas community
What the Police Chief Said?
Acting Assistant Chief Tyler Jamison said:
“Law enforcement is a very difficult job. This is one of many examples where they did a great job. We’re really proud of our officers.”
Similarly, Sergeant Joseph Heylen praised the team, noting that quick thinking on their feet made all the difference.
Final Thought
This incredible story shows that brave officers can save lives in seconds. The moment police catch 3-year-old girl and dog from burning apartment reminds us all how important fast teamwork truly is. Above all, it proves that everyday heroes are always among us.
