Sheriff’s Deputy Saves Woman From Burning Home

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A 72-year-old New Buffalo woman is safe after being pulled from her burning home by a deputy with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department. The department says dispatch got a call from the homeowner in the early morning hours of Thursday. The home in the 1400 block of West Water Street was on fire, but the woman couldn’t get out. Deputy Michael Pellerito of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s New Buffalo Township Patrols arrived as flames engulfed the back corner of the home. He at first forced entry to the front door of the home, but was driven back by heavy smoke. With some help from 911 dispatchers, Pellerito was guided to the trapped woman’s location. He then pulled her from a bedroom window to safety, as the smoke and flames intensified. The homeowner was treated for minor smoke inhalation. The deputy was unharmed.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has released the following body cam images.