Oakland Co. deputy hurt rescuing man from fire

An Oakland County Sheriff's deputy rescued a Rochester Hills man from a fire Tuesday, but was injured, officials said.

Deputies and Rochester Hills firefighters responded to a fire at a home in the 200 block of Sandalwood Drive near South Rochester and West Hamlin roads at about 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to authorities.

A deputy who arrived at the home first saw the home's owner entering the garage, which was engulfed in flames, police said.

The deputy went into the garage and got the 64-year-old homeowner, who was trying to save a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Debris from the ceiling fell onto both men but the deputy managed to escort the victim to a safe location away from the home, according to authorities.

As the deputy helped the victim, the officer fell over him and injured his own leg, getting a cut to his knee and abrasions on his shin, police said.

Emergency medical technicians treated the homeowner for minor burns on his forehead and he refused to be taken to a hospital, officials said.

The deputy was treated at a hospital and placed on leave until he is re-evaluated for duty in a few days, they said.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

The homeowner told police he and his son were home when they heard smoke detectors activate and saw black smoke coming from the garage. After he and his son had moved their vehicles away from the home, he tried to retrieve his motorcycle.

cramirez@detroitnews.com