Cop saves man from burning house

PASADENA -- A police officer working at the Pasadena Marathon Sunday kicked in the door of a burning house and rescued a man trapped inside, officials said.
Paramedics successfully resuscitated one cat that was inside the home, however three others died in the blaze, Pasadena Fire Department Spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.
The fire broke out shortly after 7 a.m., just as the 5K Fun Run portion of the marathon was beginning, Derderian said. The burning home was about two blocks from the start of the race, on Del Mar Boulevard near Allen Avenue.
"He heard a gentleman inside the house yelling, so he kicked down the door and helped the resident outside," she said.
Burbank Police officer Kerry Schilf, a 17-year veteran of the force, was assisting Pasadena police with traffic control for the marathon when the fire ignited, Burbank police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.
Flames were already coming out of the homes windows when Schilf reached the scene, he added.
As the officer approached the house, it became clear there was someone trapped inside, unable to open the door, Derderian said.
A paramedic team, which was also nearby due to the marathon, quickly arrived to treat the 66-year-old man, officials said. His hair was singed but he did not want to go to the hospital.
"His primary concern was his cats," she said.
The paramedics used oxygen to resuscitate one of the animals, she said, while three others died in the fire.
The cause of the blaze, which caused an estimated $150,000 in damage, remained under investigation, Derderian said.
The resident, who was alone in the house, was awakened by a smoke detector, she added. Without the device, "It could have been a lot worse."
Officer Schilf was not injured, Ryburn said.
"He did a wonderful job," he said. "We're very proud of him."

*Photos come courtesy of the Pasadena Fire Department.