Stanley Police Officers Rescue Man and Pets From Burning Home

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 -- 3:01 PM

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, at approximately 11:00 pm, the Stanley Police Department received a report of an individual that could see flames in their neighbor’s kitchen along with a large amount of smoke at the residence of 632 North Franklin Street.

Officer Tyler Lewien and Officer Christian Cortes responded to the residence and quickly assessed the scene, determining that there were an adult male and multiple pets inside the home.

The officers entered the home and immediately encountered thick smoke that had filled the residence.  While searching they located an inebriated male on the floor in the living room. The individual was incoherent and physically resisted the officer’s attempts to remove him.

The officers had to briefly retreat from the residence due to complications they were facing because of the heavy smoke but selflessly reentered a short time later and made their way back to the man.

Officer Lewien grabbed a hold of the belt that the individual was wearing and physically dragged him out of the residence to safety. Officer Cortes was able to extricate multiple family pets from the home.

A preliminary investigation by fire personnel indicates the source of the fire to be electrical, with it starting between the first and second floors of the home. The male occupant of the home was treated by EMS personnel on scene and released.

Both officers were treated at a local hospital and have since been released. The Department is extremely grateful for the assistance of the neighbors who made the call to emergency services and assisted Officer Lewien and Officer Cortes on scene with providing critical information about the dynamics of the household, ultimately ensuring everyone’s safety.

They would also like to recognize the Stanley and Boyd Fire Departments, Boyd Ambulance, and the Chippewa County Communications Center for their incredible management and work of this scene.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.