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."
-
Cosmic baseball coming to Indy
The Cosmic Takeover Tour is bringing a unique baseball experience to Victory Field in 2025. The Tri-City Chili Peppers, a team that plays under black lights, will offer a one-of-a-kind night for fans.Community shows support for increasing teacher’s salaries at HSE board meeting
Dozens walked into HSE’s district office Tuesday evening, dressed in all red as a united front for an important plea to the school board about increasing teacher's salaries.Sam Schmidt opens paralysis center in Indianapolis
Paralyzed in a racing accident nearly 25 years ago, Sam Schmidt has spent significant time trying to prove to others that there is a way to have a meaningful life with a traumatic spinal cord injury.Colts overcome rash of injuries by plugging holes with reliable replacements
Joe Flacco proved as handy as ever in a 27-24 victory over previously unbeaten Pittsburgh. But the unflappable Super Bowl winner also understood he was only part of a resilient performance.