By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Officer Ben Cousino of the Toledo Police Department rescued a disabled woman from a burning home on the 500 block of Wade Street on June 22 after arriving within minutes of a structure fire report.
- The officer forced entry into a smoke-filled residence and located the woman holding her walker despite heavy smoke, intense heat, and near-zero visibility.
- A second resident, the woman’s brother, remained in the home but was evacuated by firefighters after Toledo Fire & Rescue arrived moments after the officer’s rescue.
- Both occupants survived and were treated for smoke inhalation; one was transported to a hospital for additional treatment and both are reported recovering well.
- The Toledo Police Department released body camera footage documenting the rescue, providing documentation of first responder actions during fire emergencies before fire crews arrive.
TOLEDO, OHIO — Toledo Police Officer Ben Cousino rescued a disabled woman from a burning home on June 22 after responding to a structure fire report at the 500 block of Wade Street, arriving first at the scene and performing life-saving actions before fire department personnel reached the location.
Dispatch information indicated that a disabled resident remained trapped inside the home and was unable to escape the building. Officer Cousino arrived within minutes of the report and observed heavy smoke and flames emanating from the front of the residence.
Cousino forced entry into the home and encountered heavy smoke, intense heat, and near-zero visibility inside. While moving through the residence, the officer heard a woman’s voice from deeper in the structure. He forced open a blocked interior door and moved debris obstructing the entrance before locating the resident holding her walker.
Cousino removed the woman from the home and brought her to safety outside. Once outside the residence, the woman informed the officer that her brother remained inside the dwelling.
Toledo Fire & Rescue personnel arrived shortly after Cousino’s rescue and assisted the second resident in evacuating the home through a rear door.
Both occupants survived the fire and received medical attention at the scene. One resident was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and observation. Both individuals are reported to be recovering well.
The officer visited the hospitalized resident, identified as Maria, during her recovery. Police confirmed Maria is recuperating well and maintaining good spirits, as is her brother, as the family continues recovery from the incident.
The Toledo Police Department released body camera footage from the rescue, documenting Officer Cousino’s response and the challenges first responders encounter when arriving at active fire scenes before fire personnel are on location. The video demonstrates the importance of rapid police response in structure fire emergencies and the life-saving actions officers may be required to perform when minutes separate survival from tragedy.