The Kerrville Police Department (KPD) Meritorious Conduct Board has selected Officer Kyle Schneider to be awarded the KPD Life Saving Award.

Officer Schneider, a twenty-two year police veteran, responded to a structure fire on January 16, 2014, at approximately 11:25 AM, where an individual was reported to be trapped inside his burning home. The 66 year old resident who suffered from polio and could not move around without the assistance of a wheelchair or walker, called dispatch and advised “my house is on fire and I need help”. The resident stated that he could not get out of the house because he was unable to walk and he had already suffered burns to his hands and legs.

Officer Schneider arrived at the location at 11:29 AM, and disregarded his own safety, entering the burning mobile home. Although his vision was obscured by heavy smoke, he began calling out and searching for the resident. Officer Schneider located the resident who was severely burned and lying on the dining room floor. As Officer Schneider was preparing to extract the resident, Kerrville Fire Department (KFD) Interim Fire Marshal Chris Lee arrived on scene, and also disregarded his own safety, making entry into the burning mobile home. Together they picked up the resident and extracted him from his burning home.

The resident’s trousers had been burned off and he had sustained severe burns to his legs and hands. He was transported by helicopter to SAMC, where he was treated with third degree burns to 30-40% of his body.

It’s believed that had it not been for the courage and bravery displayed by both Officer Schneider and Interim Fire Marshal Lee, the resident would have perished in this fire.

Officer Schneider’s and Interim Fire Marshal Lee’s selfless disregard for their own safety and their exceptional performance during this emergency situation is a true reflection of their dedication to our community.