OXFORD, PA — In a daring late-night rescue operation, two Oxford Borough Police officers are being hailed as heroes after they evacuated residents from a burning building on South Third Street. The incident occurred on September 13, 2023, when a fire alarm was triggered at around 11:31 PM.
Officers Karilanna Eller, who joined the force in 2021, and Scott Richards, a veteran officer since 2006, were the first to respond to the scene. They arrived within two minutes of the alarm and found multiple buildings engulfed in flames.
Despite the intense heat and smoke, the brave officers embarked on a door-to-door mission, rousing sleeping adults and children and guiding them to safety. “The hallways were hot and smoky, alarms were going off, but we were still waking adults and children up who were sleeping,” Officer Richards recounted.
Each door they knocked on revealed another resident in need of evacuation. The officers also worked to slow the fire’s spread by closing windows and doors as they moved through the buildings.
Footage from Officer Richards’ body-worn camera provided a harrowing glimpse into the chaotic scene. It showed him directing a mother carrying her child towards the rear exit, navigating past flames in the windows, and calling out to other residents to move away from the fire.
The Union Fire Department and Oxford Ambulance, aided by Medic 94 and several mutual aid departments, were also praised for their heroic efforts during the massive response. As the cleanup continues, the section of South Third Street between Market and Hodgson Street remains closed.
Mayor Philip Harris commended the bravery of Officer Richards and Officer Eller, stating that their actions undoubtedly saved many lives. “We would like to commend Officer Scott Richards and Officer Karilanna Eller for their outstanding bravery that resulted in the saving of human lives,” he said.
As the Oxford community continues to reel from the impact of this disaster, the heroic actions of these first responders serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.
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