By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
OLD BRIDGE — There were rounds of applause all around as police, police dispatch, fire, emergency medical services and a quick-thinking neighbor were recognized for their selfless efforts in saving a man during a house fire in January.
Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry presented proclamations for the neighbor and public safety officials at a Township Council meeting on March 13.
A fire erupted on the first floor at a Judy Court home, which was shared by father and son, Joseph and Frank Berna, at approximately 1 a.m. on Jan. 31.
The fire claimed the life of Joseph Berna, 68, who was pronounced dead at the scene; however, emergency officials were able to rescue and save Frank Berna, 89, from a second floor window at the home.
The elder Berna, whom Henry noted is a World War II veteran, was present at the meeting. Henry read a letter from Berna’s other son, Frank, and his wife Florence, addressing the public safety personnel who saved their father.
“Dear heroes,” the letter began, “It is truly difficult to find the words to express our gratitude for your volunteer services to the Old Bridge community and especially for the heroism that night on Jan. 31, 2017, when you selflessly rushed to our father’s home to battle a blaze that had engulfed the entire home. We want to thank everyone who came out that night to fight the fire and want to especially acknowledge the first responders who were first on scene. … Their actions literally saved the life of our father.”
The elder Berna followed expressing his gratitude for those who saved him.
“There’s not much I can say after my daughter-in-law and my son’s letter except I had such beautiful people come and save me,” he said.
Henry said a neighbor called 911 after he was awakened by flames, smoke and screams for help. The neighbor was able to access an aluminum ladder, extending it up to the second floor window and providing responding police officers who were on scene with pertinent information on who resided at the residence that was burning.
The two police officers climbed the ladder and were able to get the elder Berna; he was rushed to The Burn Center at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
During the fire, two firefighters were taken to Raritan Bay Medical Center where they were treated for minor injuries.
Contact Kathy Chang at kchang@newspapermediagroup.com.
