News Releases

Media Advisory: On-Duty Officer's Home on Fire; Child Helps Alert 911

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 21, 2014

What:  5th District Commander David Gillespie to present Citizen's Public Safety Award to 13-year-old who alerted her mother to call 911 when she saw smoke coming from a police officer's home

When:  Wednesday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Where:  5th District Police Station, 20000 Aircraft Drive in Germantown

On May 14, Montgomery County Police Officer Nicole Gamard was on duty and in her police cruiser.  At approximately 4:30 p.m., Officer Gamard heard the police dispatcher, on the police radio, ask officers to assist with a house fire.  She quickly recognized the address, as it was her home that was on fire.  She worried about her two dogs, Quest and Frenzy, that were in the house.

Although both dogs were rescued from the home, sadly, Frenzy perished from smoke inhalation. The fire may have taken the life of Quest had it not been for the alert and quick-thinking young lady who lives across the street.  When 13-year-old Eva Soderstrom saw smoke coming from Officer Gamard's home, she alerted her Mom to call 911.

On Wednesday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m., 5th District Commander David Gillespie, will present Eva Soderstrom with a Citizen's Public Safety Award at the 5th District Station.  Officer Gamard, her dog, Quest, and representatives from the Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance.

RLI

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Release ID: 14-245
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases