Firefighter Suspended For Trying To Save Elderly Woman From House Fire

At Atlanta firefighter has been suspended without pay after he rushed into a burning building to try to save a 95-year-old woman who was trapped inside. Captain Daniel Dwyer of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department knew he didn't have time to wait for the rest of his crew to get ready, so he ran into the building and pulled the unconscious woman out of the flames.

Unfortunately, it was too late, and she died from her injuries. While Dwyer was devastated that he was unable to save her life, he received more bad news seven months later. He learned that he was being suspended without pay for 48 hours.

Following an internal investigation, officials determined that Dwyer did not follow protocol because he went into the burning building without his crew.

"While performing your duties, you entered the structure without your crew members, which is in immediate conflict with no freelancing, accountability, and maintaining crew integrity," Fire Chief Randall Slaughter wrote in the notice of final adverse action.

Dwyer has appealed the suspension and has the full support of the Atlanta Firefighters Union.

"Time is of the essence. Captain Dwyer did exactly what firefighters are sworn oath to do. We are absolutely against the decision to suspend him," Atlanta Firefighters Union President Paul Gerdis told CNN. "Not only does he have to live with the guilt of not being able to save the homeowner, but now he and his family have to deal with the financial repercussions of not getting paid for 48 hours just for trying to save someone's life."