A Racine County Sheriff Deputy was awarded Thursday afternoon for saving a man from a burning Union Grove home.
On March 18, Deputy Eric Schneider was the first to respond to a house fire in the 1200 block of High St. Deputy Schneider spotted a sliding back door and a resident who told him someone was still inside.
He rushed into the home and found a man unresponsive and barely breathing on the basement floor at the bottom of the stairs.He then dragged the man out of the home to safety.
The man was taken to the hospital, treated and released.
Racine Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said he is proud to have Deputy Schneider on the force.
"Your professional actions are the example of the highest standard of Law Enforcement," said Sheriff Schmaling.
Deputy Schneider said when he entered into the home he was nervous because it wasn't something he was trained for, but he had to rely on his instinct and judgment.
"You just kind of go with what you feel is right and try to do your best," he said.
Judy Gorzeny called 911 the day of the fire, she said the deputy's efforts were heroic and the man stuck inside the home is alive because of him.
"That officer just did a great job," said Gorzeny. "I'm glad he's getting an award today."
Deputy Schneider was awarded with two plaques and a life saving pin. He said although many may not know what the pin means, to him it's the reason why he is in the field, to help others in need.
"It's part of the job. It's what we sign up for," said Schneider.
