CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) -- Five St. Louis County police officers and another man are recovering after suffering minor injuries rescuing residents from a condominium fire.
The fire broke out at around 3 a.m. Sunday. Officers Nino Dicandia, Josh Lawrence, Dalen Schmoll, Jason Neuman and Jeff Rottler arrived before fire crews. Along with resident Kevin Driskell, the officers sought out other residents inside the two-story structure, police said.
The officers and Driskell had to help several residents through extreme heat and thick smoke.
``It is difficult to look at a burning building and put your own personal safety aside to help others, but this is the kind of dedication and commitment I see in my officers every day,'' Police Chief Jerry Lee said. He also commended Driskell.
Driskell and officer Schmoll and Neuman were treated at the scene; Dicandia, Lawrence and Rottler were treated and released at St. Anthony's Hospital.
Authorities believe the fire began as an electrical malfunction.
