Washington Township police sergeant honored for saving driver from burning car on I-78
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — A Washington Township police sergeant is being credited with saving a man’s life after pulling him from a burning vehicle following a crash on Interstate 78 in April.
On April 21, 2025, around 7:30 p.m., Sgt. Jon Kuligowski was driving home from his shift when he noticed smoke rising from the highway. As he approached, he saw a section of guardrail torn away and found a badly damaged car about 25 feet down an embankment, beginning to catch fire.
Several bystanders had stopped and were trying to free the driver, later identified as William McCabe, from the wreckage. With flames spreading, Kuligowski ran to the scene, directed the bystanders, and helped carry McCabe up the embankment to safety just moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed.
On the roadside, Kuligowski assessed McCabe’s injuries and relayed details to a nurse on scene, who coordinated with 911 dispatchers until emergency responders arrived. He then assisted in placing McCabe on a backboard and stretcher for transport to a hospital.
For his actions, Kuligowski was later presented with the Life Saving Award by Chief Jones and the Washington Township Police Awards Committee.
Police officials said his quick thinking, leadership, and courage gave McCabe the best chance of survival.
