There is little doubt the lightning-fast action of a pair of law enforcement officers recently — one a member of the Department of Natural Resources, the other a Michigan State Police trooper — saved the life of a Delta County man.

This drama played out one week ago in the Rapid River area of Delta County when Delta Dispatch reported a structure fire along U.S. 2.

Within minutes, DNR Conservation Officer Stephen Butzin arrived at the home. MSP Trooper Zane Weaver got there at the same time.

The Masonville Township Fire Department and EMS personnel weren’t far behind, with residents of the home — an unidentified husband and wife — reportedly still inside their burning house.

“I was informed that the wife left the house; when she returned, she opened the door and smoke began to pour out of the residence, she then called 911,” Butzin noted.

A DNR news release stated that Butzin and Weaver ran up to the front door and found thick, brown smoke coming out of the residence, and they observed a woman standing outside.

“As I walked in the house, you could not see anything at standing height,” Butzin said. “I had to crouch to be able to see through the house, as it was full of smoke.”

Weaver located the husband on the couch and yelled for him to exit the residence, but he would not comply with the order.

“Trooper Weaver and I had to physically grab ahold of the husband and carry him out of the residence,” Butzin said. “I believe he did not even know his house was on fire.”

A burning mattress was the cause of the melee. Both husband and wife were treated on site but are reportedly OK.

We applaud these officers, both of whom selflessly placed their lives at hazard to help someone else.

Well done, guys.