Berks Lodge #71, Fraternal Order of Police, recently announced the recipient of the 2021 Police Officer of the Year, Officer Angela Arndt of the Fleetwood Police Department.
Officer Arndt was recognized for her actions on the night of April 16, 2020. On that day, Officer Arndt was dispatched to the 100 block of East Locust Street in the Borough of Fleetwood for a house fire.
Upon her arrival, Officer Arndt found multiple homes on fire, live wires arching, and several vehicles on fire. She discovered that the fire was spreading, and that an adjacent home was likely still occupied.
Unable to approach the front of the residences because of the heavy fire, Officer Arndt went to the rear of the residence and was knocking on the door. After there was no response, and the fear that the occupant was in danger of death or serious bodily injury if she did not act immediately, Officer Arndt kicked open the door and forced entry into the residence.
She located the occupant inside and led him out to safety. Following this heroic act, Officer Arndt continued to ensure that the occupants of other homes in danger were evacuated.
“Officer Arndt ran towards the danger, knowing that her actions were placing herself in harm’s way” said Berks Lodge #71 President Joseph M. Brown. “Officer Arndt’s actions that day were not only heroic but demonstrates the type of police officer she truly is.”
Officer Arndt was recognized in front of her peers at the annual awards dinner held on December 16, 2021, in Temple.
