Brave NYPD Officials Respond to Queens Fire

Two NYPD officers displayed remarkable bravery Wednesday morning while responding to a fire in a Queens building. They quickly took action, broke down the door, and ventured into the smoke-filled space in search of any residents.

In a video that has surfaced, Sergeant Brian Vesely and Detective Dan Donvolt, who were patrolling in Jamaica, Queens, noted a strong odor of smoke in the air while stationed at ESU Truck 9.

“We were just driving around when we really picked up a heavy smell of smoke,” Vesely, a 12-year veteran, shared. “It seemed like the streets were getting smokier.” They headed to 229th Avenue, where they spotted smoke billowing from the attic.

Both officers are part of an elite unit known for exceptional courage and had experience as volunteer firefighters on Long Island. Without hesitation, they advanced toward the flames.

“I called in for FDNY and EMS,” Vesely stated, highlighting the uncertainty of whether anyone was inside the building.

Donvolt, 38, grabbed necessary equipment, readying the ESU truck to assist in the firefighting effort. “A great deal of smoke was pouring out,” he added. “We moved our vehicle to allow FDNY easier access.”

The duo donned oxygen packs and entered the building, searching every room for survivors. They approached a bedroom filled with smoke and, spotting children’s toys, felt a pang of concern when no one was found.

“We conducted a secondary search to ensure everyone was accounted for,” Donvolt explained. “Kids tend to hide in the small nooks.”

While Vesely fought to control the flames, he noted the intense heat right behind him as he worked. “I tried my best to keep things in check,” he said.

Eventually, FDNY arrived to tackle the blaze. Residents received treatment at the site, and one woman expressed her gratitude to the police while inside an ambulance.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire. Vesely remarked, “It’s not an everyday occurrence to encounter a house fire, but for us, high-risk rescues are part of the job.” He emphasized that the right training and equipment are crucial in situations like this.

Both officers, however, were modest about their actions. “I think other patrol officers would have done the same in our position,” Vesely said, downplaying their heroics. “Making a difference is simply what we do.” Donvolt echoed this sentiment, affirming that their commitment stems from a deep-rooted sense of duty.

The sergeant later visited a hospital for a smoke inhalation check, assuring his wife was fine and had grown accustomed to these situations.