Scott D. Ames attempted to rescue Dominic Jackson from suffocation, Palm Bay, Florida, August 26, 1999. Dominic, 3, was in a ground-level apartment after fire broke out in its kitchen and filled the unit with dense smoke. Ames, 31, police officer, responded to the scene, where he learned that Dominic was still inside. Ames attempted to enter the apartment through a bedroom window, but he was repelled by the smoke and heat, as were three other men who were attempting entry. Ames then went to a sliding glass door, which, opening into the apartment’s living room, had already been broken out. He stepped into the living room and, despite the smoke severely limiting his visibility, entered the adjoining bedroom, which he searched without success. Returning to search the living room, Ames found Dominic at the far end of the room, which opened into the burning kitchen. He picked Dominic up and fled the apartment with him. Ames and another officer attempted to revive Dominic, who was then taken to the hospital. He died of smoke inhalation. Ames also was taken to the hospital, for treatment of smoke inhalation, and he recovered.
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