BLAIRSVILLE, Pa. --
A Blairsville police officer is credited for saving the life of a man whose Indiana County home caught fire early Friday morning.
According to a news release from the department, Officer Donald Isherwood responded to a call about a fire around 2 a.m at a home in the 400 block of South Liberty Avenue.
County 911 dispatchers told Isherwood that 47-year-old Gindlesperger was trapped inside the burning building.
"About 1:30 in the morning, I was awoken by smoke that I could hardly even see through. I picked my cell phone up and realized I was in trouble real quick," said Gindlesperger. "I couldn't have gotten out by myself. By that time, I was real overcome with the smoke and everything. Without that officer, my life wouldn't be here today. I really appreciate him very much."
From 911 dispatchers, Isherwood learned Gindlesperger was trapped on the home's second floor and was beginning to suffer from smoke inhalation.
"From prior fires I've learned about the back draft, so I'm a little leery about that, but, luckily, there wasnt as much smoke up front," said Isherwood.
In minutes, police said Isherwood kicked in the front door of the home, made his way upstairs and brought Gindlesperger to safety.
"Basically just kicked the door in, yelled for him, he yelled back and basically just went upstairs. I didn't even have to carry him. I was basically just yelling for him and giving him a little encouragement to get out of the house, said Isherwood.
Isherwood credited his flashlight for helping to make the save.
"He's in the dark. He doesn't know what he's seeing. You see the flashlight and it just lit up the whole place. Thank goodness I carry one," said Isherwood.
Gindlesperger was taken to Indiana Medical Research Center and treated and released.
"I could see out back that the flames were starting to come up through the roof and everything. You're thinking there, 'I'm losing my house, but at least I'm sitting on a stretcher -- you know -- and at least I have my life.' That's something you have to think back. You can lose a house, but you can't lose a life," said Gindlesperger.
Isherwood was quick to downplay the severity of his heroics.
"It wasn't that far. The steps were right in front of me. I basically ran up them and he was right there. It really wasn't that big of a deal. It's nice to finally have someone like us," Isherwood said jokingly.
Channel 4 Action News' Ashlie Hardway reported that the fire appears to be the result of an electrical malfunction.
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