Andover Deputy Chief Ernie Scherger Hailed A Hero For Rescuing Infant from Intense House Fire

Andover Deputy Chief Ernie Scherger Hailed A Hero For Rescuing Infant from Intense House Fire

Andover, MN - Andover Deputy Police Chief Ernie Scherger is being lauded for his heroic actions on the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025, after he bravely entered a heavily engulfed house fire on Navajo Street in the northwest area of Andover and rescued a young infant.

According to Deputy Chief Scherger, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Andover Fire Department received a call at approximately 7:15 AM reporting a structure fire at a residence on Navajo Street. Initial information relayed through the emergency dispatch suggested the possibility of both an adult and a child being inside the home.

Upon arriving at the scene within minutes, Deputy Chief Scherger encountered a harrowing situation. He reported that the fire had already consumed an estimated 50 to 75% of the single-family home, with flames and heavy smoke billowing from multiple windows and the roof. Anoka County Sheriff’s deputies were already on scene and had made several attempts to deploy fire extinguishers in an effort to control the blaze and gain access. They had also managed to identify what was believed to be the infant’s bedroom window.

Without hesitation and recognizing the imminent danger, Deputy Chief Scherger, equipped with protective gear, made the courageous decision to enter the burning residence. Navigating through thick smoke and intense heat, he made his way towards the identified location of the infant’s room. "The heat was significant, and the smoke was very heavy," Scherger recounted later at a press briefing held at the Andover Public Safety Center. "My primary focus was getting to that child as quickly and safely as possible."

After a perilous search through the smoke-filled room, Deputy Chief Scherger located the infant, a 6-month-old baby boy named Liam [Last Name Withheld for Privacy], who was found unconscious but breathing. He immediately scooped up the child and retreated from the burning home, handing the infant over to awaiting paramedics.

Liam was immediately assessed and treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis for further evaluation and care. As of late Saturday evening, authorities reported that Liam was in stable condition and recovering well.

Tragically, despite the heroic efforts, the adult believed to be inside the home, identified as 32-year-old Sarah Miller [Relationship to Infant Withheld for Privacy], did not survive the fire. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Andover Fire Department and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. "Deputy Chief Scherger’s selfless and swift actions undoubtedly saved the life of this young child," said Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart in a statement released Saturday afternoon. "His bravery in the face of extreme danger exemplifies the dedication and commitment of our law enforcement officers. We are incredibly grateful for his heroism."

The Andover community has expressed an outpouring of support for Deputy Chief Scherger and the family affected by the devastating fire. A makeshift memorial with flowers and teddy bears has begun to grow near the scene of the incident.

Deputy Chief Scherger, a 15-year veteran of the Andover Police Department and having served as Deputy Chief for the past three years, humbly acknowledged the praise but emphasized the collaborative effort of all first responders. "This was a team effort," he stated. "The deputies on scene, the fire department, and the paramedics all played crucial roles. I am just thankful that we were able to reach the child in time."

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any further details. The community continues to rally around the family during this difficult time, with local organizations exploring ways to provide support and assistance. Deputy Chief Scherger’s courageous act serves as a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face daily and the profound impact their actions can have on the lives of those they serve.