THIS is the moment a cop bravely catches a toddler and a small dog thrown from a burning balcony during a massive apartment fire.
Dramatic bodycam footage shows thick smoke billowing from an apartment block in Milpitas, California, as flames tear through the building.
Terrified can be seen crowded onto a second-story patio as the blaze blocks the exits.
An officer stands below with his arms raised, shouting instructions as the blaze rages behind the trapped family.
He says: “Where’s the baby? Throw her! Throw her!. … I got her, I got her!”
The three-year-old girl is dropped from the balcony and falls toward the pavement before landing in the officer’s arms.
A second cop then rushes in to steady the catch as screams echo from above.
Moments later, the family’s small white dog is tossed from the smoke-filled terrace and safely grabbed by officers.
The rescue unfolded around 3.10pm last Saturday after dispatchers received a frantic 911 call reporting a fire at an apartment building in Milpitas, near San Jose.
“There’s a fire, and we can’t get out. It’s outside of our door but not inside our house,” the caller told dispatch.
Officers Ricardo Barragan and Trayvon Hartley arrived in less than two minutes to find the building “completely engulfed” in flames, according to the Milpitas Police Department.
The fire was burning next door, but smoke and flames blocked exits.
Hartley caught the toddler while Barragan helped stabilize her, Acting Assistant Chief Tyler Jamison said. Barragan then caught the dog.
Firefighters from the Milpitas Fire Department arrived shortly after and safely evacuated the two adults still trapped on the balcony.
No injuries were reported, though several apartments were damaged.
Police said in a statement: “We are incredibly thankful for the calm and courage shown by the residents during such a terrifying moment, and for the seamless teamwork between our dispatchers, officers, and fire personnel.”
Jamison called it “a terrifying experience” for the family, saying: “Anyone who goes through that is definitely shocked and terrified after the incident.”
He praised the officers as “hometown kids” and said the department is “really proud of our officers and how they serve our community.”
“Law enforcement in general is a very difficult job,” Jamison said.
“They have to make split-second decisions every day.
“And I think this is one of many examples where they did a great job.
“We’re very proud of the work that not only they do, but our entire department, just law enforcement as a community.”
