GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In the early hours of Sunday, January 25, a structure fire at an apartment building on 6th Avenue in Galion prompted a swift response from local authorities.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Galion Dispatch received a 911 call reporting the fire, and Officer Andrew Roystan was on the scene within minutes. Upon arrival, he observed an active blaze and quickly began evacuating residents from the building.
During the evacuation, Officer Roystan was alerted to a resident who was unable to escape.
Demonstrating exceptional bravery, he forced entry into the apartment and carried the individual to safety just as the fire intensified.
All residents were safely evacuated before the Galion Fire Department arrived to manage fire suppression.
Officer Roystan’s heroic actions were captured on his body-worn camera, with footage now available on the Galion, Ohio Police Department’s Facebook page.
Community members looking to support those affected by the fire are encouraged to donate or volunteer with the American Red Cross, which provides essential emergency assistance to families displaced by such incidents.
Chief of Police Ryan Strange praised Officer Roystan and the responding officers for their decisive actions during this critical situation, highlighting their vital role in safeguarding the community. “Our officers are often the first on scene, and their ability to take decisive action in those critical moments can make the difference between life and death. We are extremely proud of Officer Roystan and the other responding officers for their quick actions and commitment to public safety,” Strange said.