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Beecher board presents commendation to Officer Ryan Drew for December house-fire rescue
Summary
Officer Ryan Drew received a Beecher Police Department commendation after forcing entry into a burning house Dec. 12, 2024, searching for an elderly resident and suffering smoke inhalation; the board formally recognized his actions at its Jan. 13 meeting.
Officer Ryan Drew was presented with a Beecher Police Department commendation at the Village of Beecher board meeting on Jan. 13 after forcing entry into a burning house on Dec. 12, 2024.
The award presentation, delivered on behalf of the police department, said Drew responded to a house fire in the Dixie Street area, forced entry, searched each room while smoke filled the house and was later treated on scene for smoke inhalation by Beecher Fire Protection District personnel. The presenter told the board that no occupant was found inside and that the Beecher Fire Protection District extinguished the blaze.
The nut graph: The village board said the department reviewed body-camera footage and praised Drew for also directing traffic after he returned to duty that day, despite still showing signs of smoke inhalation. The board gave Drew the department commendation and invited a photo for the record.
Board members and staff who spoke during the presentation thanked the Beecher Fire Protection District for its response and recognized the personal risk Drew took entering the house. The presentation noted that only two officers were on duty at the time and credited Drew with helping keep the scene safe until additional resources arrived.
The board did not take any formal policy action related to the incident during the meeting. The presentation ended with the formal handing of the commendation and brief remarks of appreciation from village leadership.
