Police officials in Newark are reporting that reports that two Police Officers from the Metro Unit carried a 76-year-old resident to safety as firefighters fought a 2-alarm fire at 45 North 6th Street yesterday.
According to police, at around 1:45 a.m., firefighters responded to the 3-story wood-frame residential building on a call of a fire. Newark Police Officers Roberto Vera and Alicia Lauderdale responded to the call and canvassed the area for victims who needed to be evacuated.
Police said after knocking on apartment doors, the officers located the 76-year-old woman on the third floor. Observing that the senior resident was having difficulty walking, Officer Vera immediately put her on his shoulders and carried her down three flights of stairs with the assistance of Officer Lauderdale. The Police Officers then helped the victim to a safe location across the street.
“I commend Officers Vera and Lauderdale for their quick-thinking and for treating this resident as they would a family member,” Director Ambrose said. “As the fire was spreading to nearby homes, this senior resident could have been trapped had it not been for the heroic efforts of these two selfless officers.”
Both Officers Vera and Lauderdale subsequently responded to University Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and were released.
Another victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment for injuries after jumping to safety from a rear upper window of 45 N. 6th Street.
And an injured firefighter was treated at the scene by EMS and released police said.
The fire was considered under control at 3:19 a.m. Four families, comprising 11 adults and 6 children, have been relocated.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by members of the Newark Fire Division’s Arson Unit.