NJ state troopers recognized for saving multiple residents during apartment fire in Hunterdon County
UNION TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Several troopers were honored last week at the Hunterdon County Fire Chief’s Association dinner for their life saving efforts during a large condominium fire.
On May 1, Perryville Station troopers responded to a report of a structure fire on Sam Bonnel Drive in Union Township, state police said.
Trooper Juan Jacome, Trooper Peter Munoz-Aquino, Trooper Filip Konieczkowski, Trooper Zachary Manley, and Trooper James Thompson were the first to arrive on scene and observed that the left end of a 12-unit building was fully engulfed, state police said.
“Without hesitation, the troopers began working their way through the complex to evacuate the occupied units. Many residents were asleep, and entry had to be made into some of the units when occupants were not answering. Some units were filled with smoke, and others were on fire. An elderly resident who was hard of hearing had to be physically awakened. The fire was moving rapidly and fully engulfed the complex within minutes,” state police said.
In addition to evacuating the complex, troopers assisted a fire crew with the extraction of a female on the second floor. The female fell from the ladder and troopers were able to soften her fall by catching her. With assistance from the building manager, troopers were able to account for all of the occupants of the units, state police said.
Shortly after the responding troopers arrived, Sergeant Michael Delgaizo and Detective Sergeant Robert Sanchis arrived on scene to assist fire crews and manage assets, state police said.
Five residents sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation, severe burns, and bone fractures. Two of the injured residents were airlifted to local trauma centers and a third was transported by ambulance to Hunterdon Medical Center, state police said.
“The quick and decisive actions of the troopers and first responders undoubtedly saved multiple lives,” state police said.
