Porter County, Indiana Sheriff's Officer Gets Medal Of Honor For Rescue Efforts After House Explosion
VALPARAISO, Ind. (CBS) -- A Porter County, Indiana sheriff's officer called it nothing short of a miracle that he was nearby when a gas explosion leveled a house.
His body camera was rolling as he ran to help.
Porter, Indiana Fire Chief Jay Craig said at the time of the explosion in September that a 3-year-old girl was trapped inside the house when crews arrived.
Lt. Kevin Van Kley heard the call over the scanner and rushed to the scene. First, he pulled a young child to safety after finding the child pinned in the rubble.
Also during the search, Craig said firefighters found a woman who was trapped in the house. Van Kley helped free the woman who was trapped under a collapsed section of a roof.
This week, Lt. Van Kley was honored by the Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds for his lifesaving actions, with a medal of honor.
Only three officers in the department's history have been given that award.
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