Patrick Shane Pace saved Barbara C. Vidlund from burning, Leander, Texas, April 15, 2006. Vidlund, 52, was inside her doublewide mobile home after fire broke out in the kitchen and filled the home with dense smoke. On duty in another jurisdiction, Pace, 31, police officer, responded to the scene. Despite 20-foot flames issuing from the rear of the structure, he entered its living room through the front door, encountering dense smoke that severely limited visibility. He walked about in the living room searching for Vidlund before having to retreat outside for air. Again he entered the structure, crouched over, but again he left for air without finding Vidlund. Then hearing Vidlund moan, Pace entered the mobile home a third time and, crawling, followed her voice. He found Vidlund semiconscious and sitting on the floor about 15 feet from the door. Grasping her by her clothing, he dragged her to the door, then removed her from the house and to a point of safety with help from another man. Both Vidlund and Pace were taken to the hospital, where Pace was treated for smoke inhalation. He recovered.
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