State Troopers Make Lifesaving Rescue In NJ Apartment Fire, Police Say

UNION, NJ - Several New Jersey State Police troopers were recently honored for live-saving actions during a large condominium fire in Union Township, state police said.

The six troopers - Trooper Juan Jacome, Trooper Peter Munoz-Aquino, Trooper Filip Konieczkowski, Trooper Zachary Manley and Trooper James Thompson - swiftly evacuated several sleeping residents during a blaze that swallowed the building within minutes, earning them honors at the Hunterdon County Fire Chief’s Association Dinner.

In the early morning hours of May 1, 2022, the Perryville Station troopers responded to a report of a structure fire on Sam Bonnel Drive in Union Township. The troopers were the first to arrive on scene to a blaze that fully engulfed the left end of a 12-unit building, state police said.

“Without hesitation, the troopers began working their way through the complex to evacuate the occupied units,” state police said in a statement. “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 six troopers also assisted fire personnel with extracting a trapped woman from the second floor, state police said. While the woman ultimately fell from a ladder, “troopers were able to soften her fall by catching her.”

Troopers then worked in tandem with the building’s manager to account for all of the occupants of the units.

Five condominium residents sustained injuries as a result of the fire due to smoke inhalation, severe burns, and bone fractures, state police said, with two of the injured residents flown by helicopter to local trauma centers. Another resident was transported by ambulance to Hunterdon Medical Center, police added.

“The quick and decisive actions of the troopers and first responders undoubtedly saved multiple lives,” state police said.

You can view photos of the lifesaving operation here.