Firefighter pulls a toddler from burning apartment in a dramatic early morning rescue: Here’s the heart-stopping video

In a dramatic early morning rescue caught on bodycam, a Texas firefighter bravely pulled a toddler from a burning apartment building. Identified as “J. Head” of the North Hood County Volunteer Fire Department, the firefighter managed to safely extricate 2-year-old Liam Keen from a second-story bedroom window. The incident began when the fire was reported to Hood County 911 around 12:50 a.m., leading to a heart-stopping rescue operation that has since made headlines.

The video, captured on a colleague’s bodycam, shows firefighter J. Head from the North Hood County Volunteer Fire Department’s Engine 26 making a daring climb to break the window of the second-story bedroom. This allowed for the safe removal of 2-year-old Liam Keen from the burning building in Granbury, Texas.

Upon arrival, firefighters were briefed on the situation. “We got a 2-year-old on the second floor,” a firefighter is heard saying shortly after arriving at the scene. Crew from the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department’s (GVFD) Engine 1 quickly brought the ladder to the window.

Another firefighter, identified as “Serratelli”, appeared to remove Liam from the building after Head broke the glass. The boy was instructed to come to the sound of firefighters’ voices. “He’s screaming, he’s crying; that’s good,” another firefighter observed as his colleague descended the ladder with Liam in his arms.

Once rescued, Liam was taken to an ambulance and treated before being escorted via helicopter to Cook Children’s hospital in Fort Worth for advanced care. According to Liam’s mother, Phylicia Keen, his chest X-rays and blood work came back good. However, she confirmed that Liam did sustain some carbon monoxide poisoning.

In an emotional statement, Keen expressed her gratitude for the firefighters’ heroic efforts. “I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for getting my baby out as quickly as you did,” she said. “You all don’t get enough credit, you really don’t.”

Despite being volunteers, members of GVFD train to high professional standards. “We are all volunteers, but we are professionals,” their Facebook post stated. “We train to the highest standards and expect that from all of our members.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Watch the heart-stopping rescue operation below.

This harrowing incident underscores the immense bravery and dedication of volunteer firefighters, who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. Despite being volunteers, members of the North Hood County and Granbury Volunteer Fire Departments demonstrated professionalism and intense training in their heroic efforts.

The successful rescue of 2-year-old Liam is a testament to their skill and courage. It also highlights the importance of community support for these invaluable services, especially in small towns like Granbury, Texas where resources may be limited.

Unfortunately, this incident also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of house fires, particularly in multi-story buildings where escape routes can be cut off. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which Liam suffered from, is a common risk in such situations. This colorless, odorless gas can quickly incapacitate people, making it difficult for them to escape.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation, reinforcing the need for ongoing education about fire safety and prevention. Regular checks on household appliances, proper use of heating equipment, and ensuring that smoke alarms are working are all crucial steps in preventing such devastating incidents.

For those wishing to support the Keen family during this challenging time, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with medical bills, clothing, housing and other necessities. As Phylicia Keen poignantly reminded us, “First responders are actual heroes. For real angels and heroes”. Their actions in this incident serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role they play in our society.

This incident ultimately reminds us of the vital role that firefighters—volunteers and professionals alike—play in our communities. Their courage, quick thinking, and tireless commitment to saving lives are truly commendable. However, it’s important that we as a society continue to invest in and support these essential services, ensuring they have the necessary resources for training and equipment.

The episode also underscores a harsh reality: the risk of house fires is ever-present, and their consequences can be devastating. As we move forward, let this serve as a reminder of the importance of fire prevention measures and safety education in our homes.

For young Liam Keen, the traumatic ordeal has ended with his safe rescue. But for others, this story might be the wakeup call needed to reassess their own fire safety measures at home. After all, it’s often everyday heroes—not just in times of crisis but in preventive actions—who make the most significant difference.