PCSO commends deputy for help in fire

WALL, S.D. -– Pennington County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Lindquist lends a hand during a fire at the Cactus Bar in Wall.

On patrol just before 9 p.m. on Monday, June 20, Deputy Lindquist observed a crowd gathering and smoke coming from the Cactus Bar, located in the 500 block of Main St.
 
Lindquist entered the restaurant area in search of evacuating people that may be inside but there was no one found in that area of the building.
 
Deputy Lindquist was directed to the upper floor living quarters of the building where there was a man trapped in his room.

While braving the heavy smoke and extreme heat, Deputy Lindquist, with the help of another citizen, pulled the male through a window. He escorted the male to safety where he was medically treated.
 
The scene was chaotic and some of the evacuated citizens believed their loved ones were still inside when in fact, they had evacuated.

Lindquist then turned his attention to their safety and prevented them from re-entering the burning structure where there was a high likelihood they would perish.

Deputy Lindquist was treated and released on scene by the Wall ambulance for smoke inhalation.

Deputy Lindquist’s diligent service to the community, bravery, training and willingness to place himself in danger to save others, undoubtedly prevented loss of life during this tragic fire.
 
Firefighters from the following agencies also deserve recognition for their quick action; Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall Ambulance Service, Interior Volunteer Fire Department, Quinn Volunteer Fire Department, New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department, Wasta Volunteer Fire Department, Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department, Piedmont Fire and Ambulance Service, North Haines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department, Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, Doty Volunteer Fire Department, Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Battle Creek Fire Department, Fairburn Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Phillip Volunteer Fire department, Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department, Scenic Volunteer Fire Department, Ellsworth Airforce Base Fire Department, Custer Volunteer Fire Department, Rochford Volunteer Fire Department.