South Lyon Officer Saves the Day with Quick Action During Early Morning Fire
In the heart of South Lyon, a small but extraordinary event unfolded early on Monday, October 21. Officer Angela Bay, one of the city’s newest police officers sworn in just four months ago, found herself in a tense situation that could have turned tragic. While on patrol at around 1:20 a.m., Officer Bay noticed something alarming—heavy smoke billowing over East Lake Street.
A Calm Response Amidst Chaos
According to Police Chief Doug Baaki, the smoke was emanating from a balcony next to Corner Social, a popular local eatery. The flames were threatening an apartment situated above Corner Social, owned by none other than the restaurant’s proprietor, Mike Carano.
“There were flames on the balcony next to Corner Social,” Chief Baaki stated. “It was starting to burn through the roof when we arrived.” The fire was possibly ignited by a discarded cigar in a burn pit, according to preliminary findings.
Swift Actions That Saved Lives
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Officer Bay quickly made the decision to call South Lyon Fire while her partner, Police Sgt. John Tomanek, joined her in racing up the stairs to alert Carano, who was still asleep inside his apartment.
Fortunately, Carano was unharmed and was able to evacuate in time. The officers seized fire extinguishers in a valiant effort to quell the flames but soon realized the fire was too substantial for them to handle.
Heroics by First Responders
Fire Chief Joey Thorington commended the rapid response of his team, emphasizing that the situation could have been far worse. “It was a pretty good-sized fire,” he said. Thanks to Bay’s keen observation and quick actions, firefighters were able to contain the fire effectively, minimizing damage to the interior of the building.
“Angela did not hesitate; she responded to the crisis and got the individual out of the building in a safe manner,” Chief Baaki praised. It’s events like these that can truly test a first responder’s mettle, and Officer Bay certainly rose to the occasion.
Safe Yet Shaken
As for Mike Carano, he expressed his gratitude towards Officer Bay for her timely intervention. “It definitely could have been a lot worse,” he remarked, illustrating just how close the situation was to a potential disaster.
Although the fire posed a significant threat, thanks to the quick actions taken, the storage building for Glass Tec saw no severe damage, and Corner Social remains operational. Carano, who’s been in the business for six years, humorously noted, “A little fire and a pandemic isn’t gonna shut us down,” referencing both the fire incident and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few years.
Looking Ahead
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but one thing is clear: South Lyon is fortunate to have dedicated officers like Angela Bay. Her quick thinking not only saved a life but also prevented what could have easily become a devastating loss in the community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community assistance, especially in unexpected situations. As South Lyon continues to thrive, the contributions of its first responders remain invaluable.
