The Belleville Police Service board commended Sgt. Brad Stitt for his “courage, quick thinking and selfless actions” after rescuing occupants from a burning home at the intersection of Frank and Purdy streets.
On October 14, 2024, at around 3:23 p.m., officers spotted black smoke coming from the building.
In a report to the Belleville Police Service board, Police Chief Murray Rodd says Sgt. Stitt was able to locate the source of the smoke, and when he arrived at the scene, learned that there were individuals still inside the home.
Body camera video played during the commendation showed Sgt. Stitt going to the back of the home and informing the occupants of the home to leave the building immediately.
One of the occupants, an elderly female, was confined to a wheelchair and unable to leave the residence.
Footage showed Sgt. Stitt lifting the woman across his shoulders and leaving the residence, carrying the woman to the front of the property where first responders gathered.
Sgt. Stitt was then alerted of potentially more people inside and once again entered the back of the home with a fire captain.
They were able to confirm that all occupants had escaped the home.
“It is clear his actions contributed directly to saving lives,” Chief Murray Rodd says in his report.
“Sgt. Stitt’s courage, quick thinking, and selfless actions in the face of a life-threatening situation are a credit to himself, the Belleville Police Service, and the community he serves. “
