The Norwalk Fire Department is inspecting an apartment complex after News 12 Connecticut's story Thursday brought a broken elevator to light.

Residents at 93 Richards Ave. in Norwalk say the elevator has been out of service since late December - leaving seniors and people with disabilities stranded in their apartments on the top floors.

Broderick Sawyer, a fire marshal in Norwalk, says he took action as soon as he saw the News 12 Connecticut's coverage Thursday.

“I saw it on News 12, and I thought it best to get my guys over there immediately," said Sawyer.

He says it’s not in the fire department’s jurisdiction that the property managers find the correct parts to fix the elevator, but it is their job to make sure there’s a safe exit plan.

Sawyer adds they do inspect the buildings every year.

“You can never be totally sure that everything is fire-safe. But from what we see now, they’re OK,” said Sawyer.

News 12 Connecticut knocked on the door of management Friday and gave them a call but did not hear back.

Sawyer recommends getting a list of people who need help getting out of their apartments.

“With property management, when we do talk to them, get a list of the people that need help getting out, when you get that list, give it to us, we’ll give it to our guys. If we respond there, we’ll know, and that makes all the difference in the world. Seconds matter,” he said.

Sawyer wants to remind people that it is not safe to take the elevator in the event of a fire.