Brave Officer Rescues Family from Blaze
May 21, 2026
In a remarkable display of bravery, a Tennessee police officer’s rapid response saved a family trapped in a burning apartment. The officer’s actions were recorded on body camera footage, showing his swift entry into the fiery building.
Officer Rogers / Rachel Blaylock and her children
Officer Rogers, from the Chattanooga Police Department, was the first to reach the scene of an apartment fire in Hixson on May 1. Upon hearing from residents that individuals were still inside, he immediately acted.
Despite the flames visible at the entrance, Rogers entered the smoke-filled building, ultimately leading a mother and her two children to safety.
The local station WTVC reported that Rogers carried Marlowe Blaylock, aged 4, out of danger while her mother, Rachel Blaylock, followed with her 10-year-old son, Charles.
Rachel Blaylock described the harrowing moments before the rescue, saying, “I keep thinking back: ‘How was I going to get two kids down the stairs?’” she shared with WTVC.
She praised the officer’s decisive action. “He just grabs her [Marlowe], and he was willing to go back in,” Blaylock recounted. “I was trying to tell him that no one else was there, but he was going back up.”
Body camera footage also depicted Rogers attempting to suppress the flames with a fire extinguisher until firefighters arrived on the scene.
Fortunately, the fire resulted in no injuries.
The Chattanooga Police Department expressed gratitude on Facebook, acknowledging that officers receive no firefighter training but highlighting how Rogers exemplified their mission to protect the community.
“Thank you Officer Rogers for your bravery and dedication to serving our community,” the department posted. “CPD is proud to have exemplary officers like you.”
