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AHOSKIE – When Jason Baker and Dawson Dunlow joined the Ahoskie Police Department, each took an oath to “protect and serve.”

Both officers did just that on July 6 and each was recognized for their heroic efforts during last week’s meeting of the Ahoskie Town Council.

The two men are responsible for saving the lives of six individuals during a late evening fire at a residence located at 320 North Maple Street.

“Officer Baker was in that area on July 6 and saw the fire coming from a second story window at that residence,” stated Ahoskie Police Chief Jimmy Asbell at last week’s Council meeting. “He immediately notified emergency services to get the fire department on the way. He then preceded to the house and upon seeing it was occupied he called for assistance from Officer Dunlow.”

Without regard to their own safety, Baker and Dunlow entered the home to alert those inside of the fire and to assist them in getting to safety.

“The upstairs was in flames, the fire was coming down the stairway,” Asbell noted, “but these two officers were able to safely get everyone out of the house.”

Ahoskie Mayor Weyling White presented the two officers with certificates of appreciation.

“This incident is a true definition of service by our police officers,” said White. “These certificates are for their heroic service and bravery as shown on July 6. Their effort and dedication play a tremendous part in the success of our police department.”

On the night of the fire, Station 1 and Station 2 of the Ahoskie Fire Department were paged out at 9:27 pm and rushed to the scene. Those two departments accounted for 23 firefighters and four units.

Also responding were the Union Rural Fire Department, who sent six firefighters and three units, and the Winton Fire Department (11 firefighters and one unit).

Hertford County EMS and Hertford County Emergency Management also responded to the scene.

Ahoskie Fire Chief Michael Bradley said the cause of the fire is under investigation.