INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – Two woman in Independence Township were rescued by police from a burning house early Saturday morning, according to police.
On June 24, at around 2:27 a.m., Hackettstown Police Officer Ryan Blankenship responded to assist Independence Township Police Department at a residence on Thomas Drive for a reported structure fire with entrapment, police said.
Upon arrival, the officer observed heavy smoke conditions and active fire on one side of the residence, police said.
A 61-year-old female resident was already assisted out of the residence by Independence Township Police Officer Rafael Ortiz and her 91-year-old mother was still inside the home, police said.
The mother was located inside a bedroom and Officer Blankenship went through the bedroom window and as seen on his body-worn camera, he lifted her off the bed and handed her out the window to Independence Township Fire Department Chief Clyde Snyder and Independence Township Police Sgt. Scott Stocker and Officer Ortiz, police said.
She was then then turned over to the Independence First Aid and Rescue Squad, police said.
There was no update on the condition of either of the victims.
“Officers never know when the next call will come or what that call will be, but they are always prepared,” the Hackettstown Police Department said on Facebook. “This video gives an insight into the officers’ courage and bravery that is displayed every single day.”
