Wheelchair-Bound Man Saved By Police Officer During Fire In Region

A man who is wheelchair-bound was saved by a police officer who received notice of smoke coming from an apartment in the area.

The fire scene.
Photo Credit: *Monticello Police Department*

Kathy Reakes

04/10/2023 2:30 p.m.

The incident took place in Sullivan County around 8:35 a.m., Saturday, April 8, in Monticello.

Monticello Police received a report of smoke coming from Apartment 4 at the Monticello Housing Authority Complex, located at 55 Liberty St., said Lt Mark Johnstone, of the Monticello Police.

Officer Victor Agapito arrived on the scene and found an active fire inside the apartment. He entered the apartment through the front door and pulled out the 69-year-old male tenant, who was in a wheelchair, Johnstone said.

The Monticello Fire Department then arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire.

"The fire started in the kitchen area and caused extensive damage to the apartment," Johnstone said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire.

Also assisting at the incident were the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Mobile Medic Ambulance, and the American Red Cross.

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