February 1, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
A 60 year old man with severe burns was found unconscious during a fire Thursday night at his home and three officers of the Smithville Police Department are credited for helping save his life.
James David Linder was transported from the scene by DeKalb EMS to the hospital where he was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
According to Police Chief Mark Collins, Linder suffered possible third degree burns to his chest, neck, and face. The fire apparently started from a living room couch and Linder, who had been on the couch, made it to a hallway before he collapsed.
Central dispatch received a call at 5:58 p.m. of a fire at Linder’s residence at 635 Crestlawn Avenue, a duplex in the housing project. Members of the police and fire departments were dispatched.
Upon arrival, Police Sergeant Lance Dillard and Officers Tyler Patterson and Andy Snow learned from neighbors, who had tried unsuccessfully to make entry, that Linder was still inside the residence.
Chief Collins said Officer Patterson tried to break through a window but couldn’t gain entry because the burning couch was blocking his way into the living room. Officer Snow kicked in the front door and Sergeant Dillard and Officer Patterson then made their way through the home. After Linder was found lying unconscious in the hallway, the officers brought him outside.
Members of the fire department, who arrived moments after the police officers, quickly brought the blaze under control. Deputy Fire Chief Hoyte Hale said that although the heat from the fire was intense the blaze was contained to a small portion of the couch and to the wall behind the couch
The State Fire Marshal’s Bomb and Arson unit conducted an investigation but found no signs of foul play.
Chief Collins said he is very proud of the heroic actions of Sergeant Dillard and Officers Patterson and Snow for putting their lives at risk to save another.