A Calcasieu Parish Deputy was honored recently for his heroic actions in May when he rushed to a burning home and rescued a person trapped inside.

Cpl. Taylor Plaisance was preparing for a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony at Gillis Elementary’s gymnasium when he received word that a mobile home across the street from the school had caught fire. Without hesitation, Plaisance rushed to the scene where he found half of the home already engulfed in flames. At that moment, he also learned that there was a person still trapped inside.

Plaisance acted quickly and located the individual, who was trapped inside a room engulfed with smoke.

Without hesitation and no fears for his own personal safety, Plaisance worked with local bystanders to help pull the person out of the home through a window to escape the blaze.

CPSO officials said that the fire department arrived soon after and reported that Plaisance continued to go above and beyond his call of duty to assist with extinguishing the fire and turning the power off to the home.

Plaisance has since been lauded as a hero for his actions, but he insists that his actions that day were born simply out of his desire to serve in all capacities and situations.

“When I was informed about the fire across the street, I didn’t think twice about jumping into action. The word ‘fear’ did not exist at the time, the only thought I had was doing whatever had to be done to make sure everyone was safe.

“I took an oath when I started my career at the sheriff’s department to protect and serve, and that is all that mattered at that moment. I am very grateful we were able to get the victim out of that house. Without the help from the other civilians that also jumped into action on that day, none of this would have been possible,” Plaisance stated.

Plaisance has been with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office since 2018 when he began his career in the Corrections Department. In late 2021, he became a D.A.R.E. officer.

Sheriff Tony Mancuso recently recognized Plaisance’s bravery that day by awarding the young deputy with a CPSO Challenge Coin for his actions.

“The quick actions of Deputy Plaisance and the other individuals at the residence saved the victim’s life. He never hesitated and I am proud of his selflessness and heroism. Deputy Plaisance’s dedication to our community is unwavering and is displayed through his everyday duties while working with the youth in Calcasieu Parish,” Mancuso stated.