RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says one of their own was instrumental in helping a man trapped in his room when the Cactus Café and Lounge in Wall caught fire Monday night.
The sheriff’s office says Deputy Lindquist observed a crowd gathering and smoke coming from the Cactus Cafe, located in the 500 block of Main St., Wall. He entered the restaurant area in search of evacuating people that may be inside. There was no one found in that area of the building.
Deputy Lindquist was directed to the upper floor living quarters of the building where there was a man trapped in his room. While braving the heavy smoke and extreme heat, Deputy Lindquist, with the help of another citizen, pulled the male through a window. He escorted the male to safety where he was medically treated.
The scene was chaotic and some of the evacuated citizens believed their loved ones were still inside when in fact, they had evacuated. Deputy Lindquist then turned his attention to their safety and prevented them from re-entering the burning structure where there was a high likelihood they would perish.
Deputy Lindquist was treated and released on scene by the Wall ambulance for smoke inhalation.
The sheriff’s office says Deputy Lindquist’s diligent service to the community, bravery, training and willingness to place himself in danger to save others, undoubtedly prevented loss of life during this tragic fire.
