Three Petersburg officers, two citizens honored for rescue efforts in 2017 apartment fire

Three police officers and two citizens in Petersburg were honored at a borough assembly meeting on Monday for their rescue efforts during an apartment fire last year.

On May 5, 2017 an apartment fire was reported at the Narrows Inn in Petersburg.

Before responders arrived,

Petersburg citizens Mandy Smida and Cecilio Escatell entered the burning apartment in search of an injured person inside.

"Using brute strength," said Capt. John Hamilton, who presented the awards, "[Escatell] forced the door open, allowing entry for the attempt to locate the occupant within."

Hamilton said Smida then moved...