ANNA (April 12, 2018) -- A major tragedy was averted by the quick actions of two Anna police officers recently, as a
structure fire in a neighborhood home caused by a faulty automatic dishwasher threatened the lives of the occupants.

After responding to a reported fire in progress in the 2700 block of Thousand Oaks in the Tara Farms subdivision
in north Anna, Police Officer Brandon Blair and Sgt. Steve Williams arrived before the fire units, securing the area for the
impending arrival of firefighting personnel.

Dispatch personnel had been told that the structure’s occupants had safely evacuated and relayed that information to the arriving police officers.

While creating a perimeter and ensuring the safety of neighborhood residents, Officer Blair made contact with
an individual believed to be a resident of the home standing in the front yard. The individual advised the officer that there were individuals still inside the structure, which was quickly filling with thick black smoke.

Looking through a window, Officer Blair saw two small children inside. The officer immediately entered the home and found the two children and an adult female who appeared dazed and frightened.

Officer Blair escorted the three out of the structure and away from the source of the smoke, ensuring that the three were safe and secure.

The three were treated at the scene by arriving emergency medical personnel and released without injury.

Meanwhile, Sgt. Williams assessed the situation and determined that the smoke was emanating from the kitchen area, confined to what appeared to be an electrical fire inside the dishwasher. He entered the structure with an extinguisher and brought the fire under control until fire personnel arrived.

The efforts of Officer Blair and Sgt. Williams ensured that the occupants of the home were safe, and damage to the structure minimized.

Both were recognized during the City Council meeting of April 10, with each receiving a commemorative Chief’s Coin and commendations from the Mayor and Council. Sgt. Williams was unable to attend the meeting due to a family commitment.