An off-duty Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputy and Leesburg fireman is credited with saving the life of a Warsaw man who said he set a fire to kill himself.

Michael Wilson of the Leesburg Fire Department, tells StaceyPageOnline.com that at around 11:13 p.m. Sunday an Illinois resident called Kosciusko County Central Dispatch to report a fire at 1309 Chapman Lake Dr., Warsaw. According to Wilson, the caller was identified as a relative of the resident, Michael Fremault, and received a call from Fremault saying he was going to kill himself.

Deputy Brad Kellar was the first person to arrive on scene and entered the front door of the residence. Fremault ran upstairs to where the core of the fire was burning, challenging the officer to “come and get him.”

Fremault fell to the ground due to extreme levels of toxic smoke and was then dragged down the stairs and outside by Kellar when more deputies arrived to assist.

Wilson says the man set a mattress on fire which resulted in damages to the bedroom and its contents, and spread to the attic.

Once outside the home, Fremault became combative and officers then placed him in the back of a squad car until Multi-Township EMS arrived and administered medical aid to him, as well as Kellar.

Because he continued to be combative, Fremault was transported by deputies to Kosciusko Community Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. During a conversation with officers, Fremault confirmed that he wanted to commit suicide. He also appeared to be intoxicated.

Fremault was released from KCH and transported by officers to the Bowen Center for a 72 hour mental evaluation.

Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Department also assisted Leesburg Fire Department at the scene.