KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -
A family says an alert police officer saved their lives early Sunday morning.
Nefi Chavez said he was sound asleep at 3 a.m.
"I woke up when the police just started knocking on the door really hard. My parents woke up, and we all rushed out because there was a fire," Chavez said.
A Kansas City, KS, police officer smelled smoke in the neighborhood near Tenth and Ann streets.
"They were just doing their normal routine, and they passed by and knew what to do," he said.
Chavez said he is very thankful someone was there to help him and his family.
The home's smoke detectors were not working, and Chavez said the officer is the only reason he is still alive.
"We were all sound asleep and didn't know what was happening," he said. "Luckily everybody got out."
The Kansas City, KS Fire Department quickly put the fire out. Most of the home suffered smoke and water damage.
Now, the Chavez family will be living with relatives for a while, the family can't express their gratitude to the officer and still be alive.
"I would just like to thank the police and fire department," he said.
Firefighters said an electrical problem started the fire and damages are estimated at $35,000.
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