During a City Council meeting on December 16, three police officers from the Rose Hill Police Department were recognized for their exceptional bravery and heroism during a devastating house fire in April. They were awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor in acknowledgement of their courageous actions.
In the early hours of April 20th, at approximately 3am, a woman in distress reached out to Butler County Emergency Communications for help. The call originated from a residence situated at the 15400 block of SW County Line Road in rural Rose Hill.
As the Butler County Sheriff’s Office swiftly responded to the scene, another 911 call came through to Butler County Emergency Communications. This time, a different woman reported that her home was filled with smoke and she had limited visibility.
In light of this new information, emergency services, including fire and Butler Emergency Medical Services, were promptly dispatched to the location.
When the first responders arrived at the scene, they were met with a home that was already consumed by flames. Their primary objective was to extinguish the fire and search for any potential victims.
Among the courageous responders were Rose Hill Police Sgt. Joel Sibley, Officer Zack Hobson, and Officer Will Bishop, who fearlessly rushed towards the blazing inferno in a selfless attempt to assist anyone trapped inside.
The men lacked training in firefighting and were without protective gear to combat the intense heat and smoke, putting them at significant risk. However, their primary concern was saving lives, exemplifying the moral code of the Rose Hill Police Department, which emphasizes dedication, integrity, and compassion.
Chief Parlier expressed his appreciation for these officers, recognizing their immense value to both the agency and the community.
The three men from the Rose Hill Police Department made several attempts to enter the home, but they had to stop when the fire became too intense. It became clear that it was no longer safe for the officers to continue their efforts.
When the personnel from Butler County Fire District #3 (BCFD #3) arrived, the three officers continued assisting in carrying ladders and providing information to the responding team about the situation before their arrival.
Their collaboration and effort with BCFD #3 allowed the fire personnel to successfully enter the home and rescue Paula Williams, an 80-year-old woman. Unfortunately, despite being transported to a hospital in Wichita, Paula Williams passed away due to her injuries.
After putting out the fire, we were able to locate two more victims who, unfortunately, had lost their lives in the tragic incident. The victims were identified as Phillip Williams, 55, and Melissa Williams, 52. Both of them were the son and daughter-in-law of Paula.
Chief Parlier expressed his sincere hope that the officers involved in the incident knew they had done everything within their power to respond to the situation. He thanked them for their dedication and the compassion they demonstrated in their efforts to save lives, even at the risk of their own.
While words cannot bring back those who were lost, Chief Parlier acknowledged the officers’ heroic actions and the impact they had in a difficult and tragic situation.
We express our gratitude to the brave first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line every day. The unwavering dedication, unwavering commitment to safety, and unwavering respect for life demonstrated by these individuals serve as a powerful reminder of why we take immense pride in being part of Butler County.
