Almont SRO saves the day; extinguishes fire at Orchard Primary

Officer helps with evacuation and then puts out fire

 

ALMONT — Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

Almont Police Officer Michael Retzler, the school district’s School Resource Officer, is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and action. Officer Retzler was assigned as the new school resource officer (SRO) for Almont Community Schools in 2024.

He received an award at the Almont Village council meeting April 7, recognizing him for his bravery on March 23.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m. when students were getting settled in for the day, Officer Retzler happened to be in the Orchard Primary school.

According to reports. the SRO heard the fire alarm as well as some students screaming. He walked to the cafeteria area and saw smoke before seeing flames in the school’s gymnasium.

The officer quickly instructed staff to evacuate the students while he grabbed a fire extinguisher.

Flames were building when the officer entered the smoke-filled gym. He entered at his own risk and extinguished flames that were over six feet high.

A padded material hanging on a wall had apparently caught fire due to an electrical issue, according to Almont fire officials.

Village manager Dale Kerbyson said, “Our School Resource Officer put out the fire at the Orchard Primary school that would have likely done serious damage to the building, if he had not put it out within 60 seconds of the fire alarm.”

Kerbyson said the fire department had a delayed response to the scene.

“Almont fire was not able to be on scene for close to 15 minutes, it was 11 minutes between the fire call and when they arrived at the school.”

He continued, “based on where the fire was, the size it had already achieved when our officer got there, and the fact that the fire had not gotten on the wood gym floor yet……the school is fortunate.”

Police Chief Daniel Willis spoke highly of his officer’s action.

“We are really proud of Officer Retzler,” he said at the meeting. “He used his training, acted quickly in helping to get students out and took care of the issue. I’m glad he was in the building at the time. It could have been much worse.”

Fire Chief Don Smith echoed those sentiments.

“It’s amazing,” Chief Smith said. “He was there just getting started for the day and this happened. He didn’t give it a second thought. He (Retzler) made sure the kids and staff were safe and then went in to that gym, filled with toxic smoke and flames and put the fire out. He did a great job. Clearly, it could have been much worse, had it not been for the actions of the officer.”

A letter sent to school district parents from Supt. Kimberly VonHiltmayer, regarding the incident, reads as follows:

Dear Almont Raider Families: I am writing to inform you that an electrical fire occurred at Orchard Primary earlier this morning. Thanks to the quick response of staff and emergency personnel, the situation was handled safely and efficiently. While the fire was contained, it did result in some damage, including soot in the gymnasium and cafeteria.”

Supt. VonHiltmayer continued, “Due to the necessary cleanup and restoration, Orchard Primary will be closed on Tuesday, March 24. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, March 25. We are working with ServPro, a professional restoration company, to ensure the building is cleaned and restored as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Supt. stated, “Please Note : The gymnasium and cafeteria will remain off-limits for approximately two days after students return. During this time, our food service program will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch, which will be served and eaten in classrooms.

Kids’ Club Update: For the remainder of this week, Kids’ Club will be housed at Almont Middle School in the cafeteria.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Officer Retzler, Shannon Chayka, and Patty Carter for their swift actions at the onset of the fire, and to Principal Bruno for his leadership in ensuring the safety of students and staff.”

She concluded, “I also appreciate the cooperation of our Orchard Primary staff and students during the evacuation to Almont Middle School, as well as the support provided by the Almont Middle School administration and staff. A special thank you to our parents and families for promptly picking up your children today and for your continued support and understanding throughout this situation. Your responsiveness and patience were greatly appreciated.”

Supt. VonHiltmayer said the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the district’s top priority.

“Officer Retzler demonstrated exceptional quick thinking and courage in responding to the fire at OP. His calm, decisive actions helped ensure the safety of everyone involved, and his willingness to step in without hesitation is a true reflection of his dedication to our students, staff and community. We are incredibly fortunate to have him serving as our School Resource Officer!”

The school intends to recognize Officer Retzler, the Almont Fire Department, Shannon Chayka, and Patti Carter during the Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.