It was purely coincidental but somewhat poetic that on National Law Enforcement Appreciation day (Sunday), we heard of a story of heroism and just one example of why it’s important to show our appreciation and gratitude for the men and women in blue — as well as firefighters and EMTs.
This story takes place in the Barnegat Pines section of Lacey Township, with information from separate statements issued by Lacey Police and the Forked River Fire Department.
On Sunday, around 6:02 am, Lacey Police and several fire companies including the Forked River Fire Department and Lanoka Harbor Fire Department arrived to a home on Holly Place to see an active structure fire.
A 52-year old disabled woman was found inside on the floor of a room in the back of the kitchen, according to FRFD, and firefighters were able to bring her to safety along with Lacey Police who had forced open the back door.
The woman, who is the homeowner and sole occupant, was then brought to Lacey Township EMS and then brought to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Two Lacey Police Officers were also brought to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The Forked River and Lanoka Harbor Fire Departments were able to extinguish the fire.
Lacey Police said that LTPD Detectives along with the Ocean County Fire Marshal said the fire started in the kitchen, but the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.
In addition to Lacey Police and the Lanoka Harbor and Forked River Fire Departments, the Lanoka Harbor EMS and Bayville Fire Company RIT Team were also on scene.
The Lacey Police Officers involved in the rescue were identified by the Asbury Park Press as Noah Schaffer, Alan Abrecht and Scott Anderson.
It was a day that shows us how and why first responders from Police to Firefighters to EMT’s are our heroes.
When Ocean and Monmouth County Police saved the day
First Responders Appreciation
Travis Burnett
A pioneer in the flag football community, Travis helped co-found the Flag Football World Championship Tour, FlagSpin and USA Flag. Featuring 15+ years of content creation for the sport of flag football, creating and managing the largest flag football tournaments on the planet, coaching experience at the youth and adult level as well as an active player with National and World Championship level experience.
