Police Department

Spokane Police Sergeant Pulls Elderly Female from Burning Home

Officer T. Leming, PIO

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 4:44 p.m.

On June 7^th, around 11:20 pm, Sergeant Mohondro was working his normal shift on Spokane’s south side. He was patrolling the area near W Sumner Ave and S Grove St when he became aware of a possible house fire in the 500 block of W Sumner Ave. Realizing he was a block away, he responded to assist. He quickly realized the house was on fire and Spokane Fire Department was not yet on scene.

Once there, he was contacted by a family member of a resident of the house on fire. The family member informed Sgt. Mohondro there was likely an elderly female still inside the home and unlocked the front door. The family member indicated the female’s bedroom was on the top floor, where the flames were coming from. Once the front door was open Sgt Mohondro was hit with thick smoke and could hear the faint cries for help from inside. He went inside the smoke-filled home without hesitation and located a stairwell to the second story. 

Sgt. Mohondro moved up and located the elderly female lying at the top landing of the stairs.  She appeared to be injured and struggling. Realizing both of their lives were in danger as the smoke was growing thicker, he quickly acted, picking her up and getting her out of the house to safety.

Spokane Fire Department and AMR crews arrived shortly after. The 82-year-old elderly female was transported to the hospital for her injuries. Spokane Fire Department crews were able to extinguish the fire and confirmed no one else was inside the residence. Sgt Mohondro was evaluated by AMR on scene before going back out on patrol.

Justin de Ruyter from SFD stated, “Seconds are critical in a fire, and Sergeant Mohondro’s actions on Sunday evening clearly made a difference. Fires typically double in size every minute, and smoke and toxic gases from modern furnishings can quickly incapacitate victims, even without significant heat. He entered a life-threatening environment and rescued a civilian without the protective gear or breathing equipment our firefighters depend on. This is an exceptional demonstration of bravery beyond duty.”

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