Brightwaters, NY - December 6, 2013 - Third Precinct officers rescued four people from a burning building in Brightwaters early this morning.
Third Precinct Officer Kevin Scheibe was on patrol when he noticed smoke coming from two vents at the Jon Thomas Inne, located at 91 Howells Road, at 3:12 a.m. The restaurant and bar also has six apartments on the top floor.
Responding Officers Joseph Tassa and Edward Swenson, along with Officer Scheibe, tried to gain access into the building but could not get in. While the officers tried to gain entry, flames began emanating from the building. Officer Tassa ran to his vehicle and pressed on his horn to alert the residents until a man came out of the building and let the officers in. The officers went up to the second floor amid heavy smoke and notified the three remaining residents to evacuate. The Bay Shore Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.
One person was taken to a local hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation. The officers were not injured.
Arson Squad detectives are investigating.