FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2001
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

APARTMENT COMPLEX IN COLUMBIA

COLUMBIA - Richland County Tpr. Alonzo Hutto had just begun a 12-hour shift patrolling I-77 today when he saw smoke coming from Barkoot Apartments on Fort Jackson Boulevard. Hutto sped to the scene where one of the apartment units already was engulfed in flames.

Hutto, 34, began knocking on doors in the unit and yelling for people to get out. The fire was intense by the time he arrived, and he was first on the scene. Hutto was forced to kick in the door of several apartment units to wake sleeping residents. He believes about 10-15 people escaped the burning apartments, apparently without injury.

The fire had begun in a first floor apartment. By the time Hutto got everyone out, the unit, which Hutto believes had around 16 apartments, was completely engulfed in flames.

"All I was worried about was getting people out of the building," Hutto said. "It was surprising how fast the fire engulfed the whole unit. The smoke was unreal. My throat and chest still hurt."

Hutto went into several of the apartments looking for people. He said he had to stop several of the residents from going back into the burning building to retrieve personal belongings.

"I sympathized with them," Hutto said. "I had a house fire myself a few weeks ago; so I know what these people are going through. But as long as they are safe, personal belongings can be replaced."

This is not the first time Hutto has made the news for his extraordinary efforts on the job. Just one year ago, he was making an early morning traffic stop when a van pulled over on I-20 and flagged him down. It turned out that a woman inside was minutes away from giving birth. Hutto, who has no medical training himself, delivered a healthy 7 lb., 4 ounce boy on the side of a busy interstate. Hutto has been with the Highway Patrol since February 2000. He previously had worked with the DPS State Transport Police division since 1994.

"We are just thankful that Tpr. Hutto spotted the fire and was able to respond so quickly to save those residents’ lives," said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Kelley. "Since joining the Highway Patrol last year, he has consistently distinguished himself as an outstanding trooper with keen instincts."

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