Charlie Mroz, a goalkeeper for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men’s soccer team, helped save a man from an apartment fire on April 23 while visiting La Crosse. Mroz and his friend Kaiden Brenneman-Sorenson noticed smoke coming from a nearby building while watching a soccer match and quickly responded to the emergency.
The incident highlights the willingness of students to assist their community in times of need. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire emphasizes preparing students for community contributions, according to the official website.
After seeing light smoke, Mroz suggested they investigate further. Brenneman-Sorenson called 911 as both men ran about 150 yards to the scene. Upon arrival, they found residents outside and began alerting others by banging on windows and siding. As flames grew more visible, a woman pointed out a man at his first-floor window near where flames were escaping.
“We all just booked it. We knew we needed to help,” Mroz said about himself and others who sprang into action. “We talked to him for a second, telling the guy that, ‘You need to get out. You need to leave. There’s a fire.'” When the man tried exiting through his door but was blocked by fire, Mroz’s group guided him back toward his window, removed its screen, and pulled him out safely.
Mroz said everything happened quickly: “I remember him asking us what’s going on.” He believed the rescued man suffered minor burns but was otherwise safe when firefighters arrived shortly after.
Casey Holm, head coach of UW-Eau Claire’s men’s soccer team, praised Mroz’s character: “He exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional teammate,” Holm said. “He is extremely empathetic… Charlie has the characteristics of a modern-day hero because of his upbringing.”
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is recognized nationally for its quality education and student success initiatives according to its official website. The university partners with organizations such as Mayo Clinic Health System and Marshfield Clinic for health sciences initiatives; it also supports one of the Midwest’s most active marching bands and features facilities like its Science and Health Sciences Building shared with Mayo Clinic Health System according to information available on their site.
