Cortland County Sheriff's deputy recognized for 'act of heroism' in Homer fire

Officer Brandon Eckes-Conway receiving an award from the Homer Police Department. At his left is Chaplain Matthew Smith; pictured right is Homer Police Chief Robert Pittman (photo provided).

CORTLAND, N.Y. — An officer with the Cortland County Sheriff's Office is being recognized for his efforts to save a man from a house fire in the village of Homer last year.

Officer Brandon Eckes-Conway received the award Thursday from Robert Pittman, chief of police for the village of Homer.

The plaque reads:

"In recognition of his outstanding act of heroism in the line of duty, during the early morning hours on September 2, 2016, where he attempted to save a human life by ignoring the risks involved and imminent danger to his own personal safety."

Eckes-Conway and Christopher Parrow, an officer with the Homer Police Department, went inside a burning building at 23 S. Main Street in the village of Homer in an attempt to rescue 81-year-old Dewayne Block, who was killed in the fire.