Staff reports

Three Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies are being recognized by their department for heroic efforts in a Merritt Island residential fire Friday.

East Precinct Deputies Jesse Doucette, Ben Fisher and Robert Bennett responded to Lynne Drive on Merritt Island during the fire.

Doucette was the first to arrive and as he exited his patrol car, he heard bystanders yelling, “She’s still in there!” Doucette ran to the home as the fire was quickly spreading and was able to see a female inside slumped over in a wheelchair.

He entered the home and crawled through the heat and smoke, making his way to the unconscious victim. He then dragged her to safety from the burning home where he and Fisher began lifesaving first-aid efforts until fire rescue personnel arrived.

The female was transported to a local hospital.

While Doucette and Fisher were caring for the resident, Deputy Bennett arrived and began looking for any other occupants.

He located a dog lying inside the home and was able to crawl to the unconscious dog and drag it from the home.

He used an oxygen tank provided by fire rescue to provide aid until the dog started breathing again. A second dog exited the home on its own.

It is believed that the fire was likely the cause of a faulty space heater in one of the bedrooms.

“I am extremely proud of Deputies Doucette, Fisher and Bennett for their incredible service to our community,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Because of their abilities, professionalism and passion, a victim and her pets lives were saved.”