OSWEGATCHIE, N.Y. — New York State Police have released body-camera footage showing troopers rescuing an 80-year-old man from a burning home in St. Lawrence County.

Watch the official New York State Police bodycam video

Video: New York State Police. If the player does not load, watch the official video on the agency’s YouTube channel or read the official release.

According to the New York State Police release, troopers were called to a house fire on Haggert Road in the town of Oswegatchie at about 11:04 a.m. on Aug. 13. The report said someone was trapped inside.

Trooper enters smoke-filled home

Trooper James P. Bertram, who is assigned to the Troop B Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, was working nearby when he heard the fire call and responded, State Police said.

Bertram arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the home. After learning that a person remained inside, he entered the residence, found the man and helped him out.

Trooper Craig Thornhill, a K-9 trooper assigned to the State Police barracks in Ogdensburg, also responded. The agency said Thornhill assisted Bertram and the resident after they emerged from the home.

Resident’s injuries reported as non-life-threatening

The resident, an 80-year-old man from Ogdensburg, was taken to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and later transferred to Upstate University Hospital. State Police reported that his injuries were not life-threatening.

New York State Police recognized both troopers for what the agency called their quick response and courageous actions. WRGB CBS 6 Albany also reported on the newly released bodycam footage.

Fire response and investigation

The Ogdensburg Fire Department, Morristown Fire and Rescue, Hammond Fire Department, Brier Hill Fire Department, Heuvelton Fire Department and St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, according to State Police.

The St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team is investigating the fire’s cause and origin. ThinBlueNews is not speculating about that open inquiry.

Readers can find more source-backed service stories in our law enforcement news, police rescue news and positive police news sections.

Sources and visual disclosure

Visual note: The official bodycam video is embedded from the New York State Police YouTube channel and was not downloaded or reuploaded. The featured image is a ThinBlueNews-owned editorial diagram, not an image from the fire.

If an agency representative or reader sees anything that should be corrected or updated, please contact ThinBlueNews through our corrections and editorial standards page.