Lincoln police officer’s quick reaction helped save man from duplex fire

Lincoln police officer’s quick reaction helped save man from duplex fire
Lincoln Police Officer Taylor Murphy

A young girl’s cry for help and the quick reaction of a Lincoln police officer helped save a man from a duplex fire Monday.

Lincoln Police Officer Taylor Murphy, who was in civilian clothes, was driving to work in her personal car when she was flagged down by a young girl near 10th and B Streets in Lincoln, Lincoln police said Tuesday. The girl told Murphy that her home was on fire and someone still was inside.

Murphy notified dispatchers and entered the part of the duplex that was filling with smoke — the other, unoccupied side was on fire, police said.

Murphy found an adult male, who police said didn’t seem to want to leave. She escorted him outside just as an on-duty police officer arrived and helped the man get to safety.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue arrived soon after and battled the fire in the cold.

Murphy experienced some effects of smoke inhalation, police said, but continued her commute to work and finished her shift.

Lincoln Police Officer Angela Sands, a department spokeswoman, said the young girl should be commended for getting help and Murphy should be commended for reacting quickly and “selflessly placing herself in danger to help a stranger.”

Murphy has been with the Lincoln Police Department for two years. She previously served as a military police officer in the Air Force. Murphy is married with two children.

“Officer Murphy frequently displays this type of selflessness and compassion towards her co-workers and the public and was surprised at the attention it has received,” Sands said.

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