Two elderly Rochester Road residents were rescued from a fire in Middleport at 12:40 a.m. on Sunday. Donald, 71, and Marion Lepkoske, 70, were transported to Medina Hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
George Richardson, a passerby saw a barrel on fire behind the house and as he got closer he saw the back of the house on fire at 9464 Rochester Road, according to a Niagara County Sheriff’s Department report. Richardson went to the front door and broke a window in an attempt to notify the residents.
Meanwhile, Middleport Police Officers Roland Johnson and Brandon Annable arrived and both entered the smoke-filled home in an attempt to rescue any occupants.
Johnson said that the smoke was so thick in the house that he had to listen for Richardson yelling at the doorway to guide every one out to safety. On the second attempt, Johnson and Annable were able to locate the Lepkoskes.
“He did a really good job, calling in and standing by,” Johnson said of Richardson. “It was hot and there was black smoke through the whole house. We could only see a couple feet in front of us. I was glad the guy who called in stayed at the door.”
The Lepkoskes were in a downstairs bedroom asleep, according to Johnson. Donald suffered cuts on his foot and was given stitches.
Middleport Fire Chief Steve Cooley took command of the fire and requested mutual aid from the Medina, Gasport, Hartland, Wolcottsville and Barker Fire Companies and two Tri-Town ambulances.
The fire was quickly knocked down, but there was extensive damage to the back of the house and smoke damage.
Johnson and Annable were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The Niagara County Origin and Cause Team was requested. Police did not list a cause of the fire, but it does not appear suspicious in cause, according to the report.
The Lepkoske are staying at relatives.
Crime
ROYALTON: Middleport cops rescue elderly couple from fire
Rochester Road fire does not appear suspicious
- Crime
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BLOTTER: Police reports published Feb. 7
A Falls man was arrested on drunken driving and other charges after a traffic stop in the 400 block of Main Street at 5:20 a.m. Friday.
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BLOTTER: Police reports published Feb. 6
Falls police had nothing new to report Sunday in the case of a missing 67-year-old LaSalle woman.
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Nightclub stabbing investigated in Lockport
Lockport Police are investigating the stabbing of a man at a nightclub early Sunday morning.
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Horse in ’bad shape’ seized from Somerset property
Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Carmen Road Saturday afternoon after a horse was found laying in a ditch without any restraints or supervision.
The person that found the horse tied it up, brought it some apple carrots and water and called police. They said it appeared the animal was malnourished and emaciated. -
Falls police looking for missing woman
Police are searching for a 67-year-old LaSalle woman who went missing Friday.
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BLOTTER: Police reports published Feb. 5
Howard C. Irish, 55, 617 18th St., lower apartment, was charged with petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
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DWI suspect hit sign on way to KFC
A Niagara Falls man was arrested for DWI and other traffic charges Friday night after striking two traffic signs on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway on his way to pick up some fried chicken.
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Woman arrested during DWI stop
An Amherst woman was arresetd by City of Tonawanda police and charged with DWI early Saturday.
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BLOTTER: Police reports published Feb. 4, 2012
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‘Person of interest’ in recent spate of robberies strikes out Thursday
The man police are looking for in at least two other city robberies of Wilson Farms stores tried to strike again Thursday night.
This time it was the Wilson Farms location at Fourth and Niagara streets — but the result was different. - More Crime Headlines
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