Millburn Police Save Woman From Blazing House Fire (VIDEO)

MILLBURN, NJ — A harrowing trip into a raging house fire was captured on video when Millburn police officers rushed to the rescue of an elderly woman last weekend.

According to the Millburn Police Department, the blaze took place at a house on Old Short Hills Road around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday. Two residents managed to escape the 2.5-story home, but an 83-year-old woman became trapped inside.

Alerted to the situation by a passing motorist, officers Sweeney, Nacim and Frisch raced to the scene and leaped into action. Despite the overwhelming smoke and heat, Sweeney crawled through the rear of the house to locate the trapped woman.

With the help of Nacim and Frisch – and breathing hard and heavy amid the smoke – the three officers carried the woman to safety in the backyard and began giving her first aid.

Shortly afterwards, Millburn firefighters arrived at the scene and began battling the flames.

According to the Millburn Fire Department, a vehicle parked in the driveway also became fully engulfed in flames and the home next door had an active fire extension.

The fire was knocked down by 3:54 a.m. Multiple mutual aid companies remained on scene until 5:50 a.m., and a fire watch engine remained present throughout the day to extinguish hot spots, Millburn Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 32 reported.

The Millburn Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad transported all three residents to a nearby hospital for treatment.

A firefighter from Irvington who was assisting at the scene suffered a medical condition, and a police officer suffered smoke inhalation. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.

“Millburn Professional Firefighters Local 32 are sorry for the loss of this family's home, but are thankful that the occupants made it out of this fire,” authorities said.

The officers who aided in Sunday’s rescue saw praise from police chief Brian Gilfedder.

“Officer Sweeney, Officer Nacim and Officer Frisch’s actions exemplify the dedication and courage of our police department,” Gilfedder said. “Their swift response and determination saved a life today, and we commend them for their bravery.”

Meanwhile, Millburn Fire Chief Robert Echavarria extolled the response of local firefighters.

“I am extremely proud of our members of the Millburn Fire Department and mutual aid partners for their bravery, commitment, and hard work in fighting this fire and the neighboring house,” Echavarria said. “The Millburn Police Department worked under extreme conditions without personal protective equipment and breathing air to assist the victim out of the house.”

“Job well done,” the chief emphasized.

Police released bodycam footage of the incident on Monday, which can be seen below.

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