The Irmo Police Department recently honored two of Irmo’s finest—Sergeant Charles Black and Corporal Emmanuel Polanco—with the prestigious Life-Saving Award for their heroic actions during a structure fire on August 20, 2024.
Responding swiftly to reports of a fire at the Harbison Shore Assisted Living Facility at 990 Columbia Avenue, Sergeant Black and Corporal Polanco arrived on scene and immediately began evacuating elderly residents. While searching the building, they came upon a set of closed doors leading to a hallway engulfed in thick smoke with zero visibility.
Without hesitation, both officers entered the hazardous corridor, calling out to locate anyone still inside. Amidst the smoke and chaos, they discovered an elderly man who had fallen from his wheelchair and was unable to escape. Acting with urgency, compassion, and courage, Sergeant Black and Corporal Polanco pulled the man to safety—ultimately saving his life.
“I am incredibly proud of Sergeant Black and Corporal Polanco,” said Irmo Chief of Police Bobby Dale. “Their courage and dedication embody the highest standards of public service in our community. Their actions were not only brave—they were life-saving.”
Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the bravery of Sergeant Charles Black and Corporal Emmanuel Polanco. Their selfless actions on August 20 exemplify what it truly means to serve and protect.
