SALT LAKE CITY — A video showing Salt Lake City firefighters rescuing police officers has gained more than half a million views in less than 24 hours.
The Salt Lake Police Department employees were stuck in an elevator that malfunctioned on the third floor of the Public Safety Building in downtown Salt Lake City (the headquarters for both departments) Thursday afternoon.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department posted a video on Facebook showing several officers emerging from an elevator amid much laughter.
“I thought it was pretty unfortunate for the police officers, but pretty funny for us,” firefighter Andy Maxwell said.
Once the doors failed to open, the police officers radioed for help to the dispatch center just a few feet away.
Firefighters are the only first responders who carry elevator keys.
“I would like to say it was like any other call, but we particularly enjoyed bringing those police officers out. The looks on their faces knowing that they’re going to hear about it for a long time,” SLC Fire Capt. Kevin Kochevar said.
“Of course there is going to be some good-natured ribbing when one comes to save the other,” Salt Lake Police Det. Michael Ruff said.
This isn’t the first time firefighters came to the rescue of police stuck in an elevator.
“In our old building, it happened all the time,” Ruff said.
Thursday was the first time it was captured on video, posted online and viewed by hundreds of millions of people during the first day.
“It’s like teasing your little brother. You love them death, you’d do anything for them, but you’re going to tease them,” Maxwell said.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown responded to the rescue by offering donuts as a “thank you” to Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb Friday.
