INDIANAPOLIS — Christine Culp said she's grateful to be alive after she and her two toddlers were rescued from an apartment fire on the south side of Indianapolis earlier this month by Indianapolis police officers.
They survived by going out of a second-story window. Down below were Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers waiting to catch them.
IMPD shared the harrowing moments on their YouTube page.
On Thursday, Culp described the ordeal and admitted she's still trying to process everything.
"I just can't believe like this is really happening. The whole place was surrounded in smoke. It's crazy. I'm just grateful we're ok," Culp said. "I just recently saw the video. There's a little emotion there, but I'm glad we're here."
For the first time since that early morning fire, Culp and her two children got to meet the officers who helped save them.
There were lots of hugs and thank yous from Culp to the officers. They even pitched in and bought Culp several gifts as she works to try and move on from this terrible loss.
Officer Wally Carroll was the first responder who realized Culp was at the back window screaming for help. Carroll explained why it was important for him and the other officers to stay calm.
"We're all trained for this. It somewhat comes natural," Carroll said. "You have to force yourself too remain calm because she's in that building by herself with her kids. I just want everyone to know we're here to protect and serve the community."
Culp is now living with family as she figures out her next move. Despite the hard road ahead, she says none of it would be possible if IMPD officers hadn't been there for her and her kids.
"I am grateful, truly. I'm grateful they were able to come with the quickness they did and saved our lives."
-
Bone fragments found at Jasper County home after reports of murdered children
Police are investigating in Jasper County after bone fragments were found at the home of a suspect who allegedly confessed to killing two children.Helene death toll now at least 166 as Biden plans to visit ravaged Carolinas
President Joe Biden will visit North and South Carolina as rescuers continue searching for anyone unaccounted for after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage and killed at least 166 people.Colts Unified Flag Classic brings together students of all abilities
Colts players took on a new role on the sidelines Tuesday. They helped coach a flag football game of students, with and without intellectual disabilities who got to play together on the same field.Apartment fire displaces six on Indy's far east side
A fire broke an apartment complex on Indianapolis' Far East Side, displaces six residents including a child.