Michigan DNR conservation officer helps rescue homeowner, pets during fire

OSCODA COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — A Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer is getting kudos for helping a homeowner and rescuing pets during a house fire in Oscoda County.

Two weeks ago, a local conservation officer helped the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office respond to a house fire in Luzerne, the DNR said.

According to authorities, the homeowner suffered a minor hand injury and was bleeding but wanted to continue searching the smoke-filled home for a missing cat. Body camera video shows the conservation officer arriving on scene and immediately securing the homeowner.

The officer, who is also a first-aid instructor, stayed with the homeowner until medics arrived. The officer then helped secure the homeowner’s two dogs, Zoci II and Caci II.

DNR officials said the response highlights how conservation officers regularly partner with local, state and federal agencies and use their first-aid training to help protect public safety.

The homeowner continues to recover from the effects of the fire, the DNR said. All of the pets — including cats Fizi and Mani — are alive and doing well.

Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office, Luzerne Fire Department, Tri-Town Fire Department and Oscoda County Emergency Medical Service.