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NILES -- A Niles police officer was recognized Feb. 1 for what the mayor described as "heroic actions" when he helped a woman out of a burning apartment a couple of weeks ago.
Patrolman Kevin Helmick was praised by Mayor Tom Scarnecchia, members of council, police Chief Jay Holland and with a standing ovation from the public for helping a woman out of her Arlington Arms apartment on Robbins Avenue after it caught fire.
Helmick responded to the call within one minute of hearing it from dispatchers, arriving even before firefighters, Scarnecchia said. The fire, which was contained to one apartment, started in a third-floor bedroom, fire Capt. Todd Thomas said.
The woman, whose name was not released, was overcome with smoke as she tried to put out the fire, which started when a cigarette ignited on a mattress, Thomas said. When neighbors smelled the smoke and heard the smoke alarms, they tried to get in, but couldn't and called 911, Thomas said.
When Helmick arrived, he got into the apartment, found the woman and brought her to safety, Thomas said.
The smoke-filled apartment was not heavily damaged in the Jan. 27 incident, and firefighters cleared the building of smoke with large fans, Thomas said.
Scarnecchia said the officer's actions prevented a tragedy.
Although Helmick declined to comment after the Niles City Council meeting, Holland said his actions exemplify how a public servant should act.
"He was very brave. He went in there to help a woman even though it was dangerous. That is exemplary work, the kind of action we expect from our officers and Helmick has always been one of our best," Holland said.
Councilmembers Barry Steffey Jr. and Stephen Papalas praised Helmick, a 14-year veteran of the force, as well.
"It makes me feel good to know that when a lady needed help, one of our officers was there for her," Steffey said.
Papalas said what Helmick did took a type of courage that not everyone possesses.
Scarnecchia himself needed the help of the police and fire departments during the Feb. 1 meeting, when the chiefs escorted him from council chambers 30 minutes into the meeting, after he turned to them during public comments and said he thought he was going to pass out.
Scarnecchia said Thursday he felt better and was back to work.
Scarnecchia was treated for pneumonia a few weeks ago and was hospitalized for a short time last year after mold was discovered in his office.