HAMILTON, Ohio — A Butler County corrections officer is being recognized for her heroic actions after she pulled a woman and her dog from a house fire.
Corrections Officer Meghan Holland had just finished an overnight shift in early August when she noticed heavy black smoke rising from a neighborhood on her way home, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said. Without hearing sirens, she stopped to investigate.
“There was a car in the driveway, so I assumed the home was occupied,” Holland told WKRC. “The garage door was open, and I could hear the owner and her dog in the garage.”
When Holland reached the house, she discovered the homeowner was badly burned and struggling to escape.
“She had very severe burns already and had an office chair wrapped around her pant leg, so she was dragging that through the house,” Holland told WKRC.
Holland quickly helped the woman and her dog to safety before calling 911. Neighbors soon arrived to assist.
“Luckily, I was there, and then other people also showed up afterwards,” Holland said. “I’m just glad she got out safely.”
The homeowner, who suffered serious burns, has since returned home from the hospital. She described Holland as “simply amazing.” Her husky is also reported to be doing well.
“Corrections Officer Holland’s courage and swift action saved lives that day. She is a true hero — just like the firefighters who responded so quickly,” the sheriff’s office said.
