PUEBLO COUNTY, COLO. -- A Pueblo County Sheriff's deputy rescued an elderly woman from a burning house late Wednesday morning, potentially saving her life.
Deputy Brandon Talton responded to a house fire in the 2500 block of Catalpa Street in the eastern part of the county around 11:51 a.m. When he arrived, 78-year-old Loren Hawkins approached him and told him his wife, 78-year-old Colleen Hawkins, was still inside the burning home and on oxygen.
Talton entered the home, found Colleen and assisted her out of the house to safety.
Both Loren and Colleen were treated for smoke inhalation at Parkview Medical Center.
The Hawkins' have lived in the home for 55 years. Investigators said it is not a total loss but will need a new roof. In the meantime, the couple is staying with a family member.
“The conduct of Deputy Talton in this dangerous situation clearly demonstrates our office’s commitment to ‘Service over Self,'" Sheriff Kirk Taylor said in a statement.
Deputies said they do not yet know what caused the fire.
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