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SALT LAKE CITY — A police officer who helped save a couple from a burning home is now in need of some help himself. Brandon Sulich's father died unexpectedly while vacationing in Mexico and the Unified police officer doesn't have the funds to get his dad's body home.
Two months ago, Brandon got a lot of credit for running into a burning home to save a couple who was inside.
"(I'm) very appreciative of people who put their lives on the line all the time," Kathleen Gasu told KSL News shortly after she was rescued from her Kearns home.
Brandon wasn't dispatched to the fire that January day; he was on his way to the funeral of Unified Police Officer Doug Barney.
"It was a very quick decision and didn't seem unnatural," he said.
Brandon may not think twice about helping people, but it's hard for him to ask for help himself.
"I'm not used to being on this side of it. I'm always the one who helps," he said.
Earlier this week, Brandon's father, Darek, was vacationing with some friends in Cancun, Mexico, and died during a snorkeling trip.
"That's some of the stuff that's difficult, is I have no idea what the circumstances were. All I know is that something happened and he's not here anymore," Brandon said.
What's worse is the family can't get any answers, not even Darek Sulich's body to bring him home, unless they pay the government thousands of dollars.
"I believe it was exactly $7,300; they asked for $7,300," Brandon said.
Darek Sulich, 55 years old, was a Polish national wrestling champion, competed in the Olympics, then moved to the United States in the 1980s for a better life for his family. Here, he working for the Sandy Parks and Recreation Department.
But, maybe his proudest moment was when his son, Brandon, became a law enforcement officer.
"He jumped up (and said), 'There we go!' And he came and started hugging me," Brandon said.
Brandon said this was his dad's first real vacation in nearly 30 years. They were all excited for it, never imagining it would end like this.
"I have no idea where my dad is actually right now. I don't know what building he's in. I don't know who has him," Brandon said.
All he knows is he has to get his father's body back to Utah, no matter what.
"I just want to get him home," Brandon said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to raise the money needed to get Darek Sulich's body home.
Contributing: Nicole Vowell
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
