A Hobart Police officer and a Good Samaritan are being credited with rescuing a family, including four children, from a house fire Sunday after taking immediate action before firefighters arrived on scene.

According to information released by police, Officer Zormier was on patrol when he observed a large amount of smoke rising from the area of U.S. 30 and Randolph Street. Responding to investigate, he arrived at a residence in the 8000 block of Randolph Street in the Town of Merrillville and found heavy black smoke pouring from the windows and roof of the home.

After noticing multiple vehicles parked at the residence, Officer Zormier and a Good Samaritan forced entry into the house in an attempt to locate anyone who might be trapped inside. Once inside, they heard adults and children yelling from the basement.

Officer Zormier then exited the home and moved to a rear window where the family was trapped. Working quickly, he and others were able to help four children and one adult escape the burning residence before conditions inside deteriorated further.

All five occupants were brought to safety and received treatment from emergency medical personnel at the scene. Officer Zormier was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Authorities say the quick actions of Officer Zormier and the Good Samaritan played a critical role in ensuring everyone inside the home was safely evacuated before the fire intensified. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

Photo Credit – Hobart Police Department