(file photos) photos courtesy of Englewood Police and Fire
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Englewood NJ, On Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 at 3:32 a.m. the Englewood Police Department Communications Center received a report of a house fire on Green St. with people trapped inside. Englewood Police and Englewood Fire personnel were immediately dispatched.
Police Officer John McConnell arrived moments later and heard cries for help from inside the residence that was already showing heavy fire. Unable to open the door, Officer McConnell improvised by locating a nearby cinder block in order to force open the door and make entry. Officer McConnell entered the home, which was filling with smoke, and found two residents inside whom he lead to safety.
The Englewood Fire Department arrived on the scene at 3:35 am and found heavy fire issuing from the first floor (front) of a 2-1/2 story, private dwelling. A second alarm was transmitted. One victim was at a second-floor window and was rescued by a a Firefighter via a portable ladder. Two other victims had been removed from a first-floor rear door by an Englewood Police Patrol Officer.
All three civilian victims were transported to area hospitals with varying injuries. The patrol officer sustained injuries and was transported to Englewood Hospital. The residents and Officer McConnell were evaluated by medical personnel, treated and released.
The fire was brought under control in 16 minutes. A cause and origin investigation is currently being conducted.
Englewood Fire Chief said, “The Fire Department would like to commend the heroic actions of Firefighter Brian Comitto & Officer John McConnel, who rescued three occupants from the fire. “
