UPDATE: Six Treated After Syracuse Fire
The Syracuse Fire Department arrived on the scene and immediately called Benton Township and North Webster fire departments for assistance.
Syracuse Police Officer Joe Denton was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. He was released from the hospital at 3 a.m.
Five other people were also treated, including Syracuse Police Officer Ben Hostetler, who was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. According to Syracuse Police Chief Tony Ciriello, four occupants of the second story apartment all suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Goshen General Hospital for treatment. They were Kevin Simons, Alexis Binder and their two children, Hunter and Hannah Simmons. All have since been released.
Ciriello says neighbor Tim Plank did call 911 but it was officers Denton and Hostetler who are credited for getting the people out of the burning building. The first floor occupants were not home when the fire started, but a dog was rescued.County records indicate the structure is owned by Eleazar and Peggy Cadena of Ligonier, Indiana. Estimated damage is $60,000.00.
The Turkey Creek Fire Territory was also assisted at the scene by the Benton Township Fire Department, the North Webster Fire Department and EMS, the Kosciusko County Fire Investigation Team and the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross.