MIDDLETOWN–A neighbor came to the rescue of a neighbor when the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched at 7:50 a.m. on Dec.18 for a report of smoke coming from the residence located at 160 Morningside Ave.
The East Keansburg and Port Monmouth Fire Companies were initially dispatched, according to a prepared statement from the Middletown Township Fire Department.
Middletown Fire Department 2nd Assistant Chief Bernard Chenoweth was the first arriving officer on scene and upon arrival requested a third company from Belford Engine be dispatched for a confirmed working structure fire, according to a prepared statement.
Chenoweth further reported all occupants had been removed seconds later.
During fire suppression operations, Chief of the Department Steven Schweizer arrived on the scene as did 3rd Assistant Chief John Waltz. Schweizer was quickly briefed by Chenoweth and command of the scene was transferred.
The main body of fire was declared knocked at 8:12 a.m. The owner and occupant Richard Borucki, 74, was home and asleep at the time the fire was reported. There were no functioning smoke alarms according to Borucki due to his recent release from a year-long stay in the hospital from various ailments.
Borucki further stated, had it not been for the heroic efforts from his neighbor Robert Clancy, he might not be alive.
Robert Clancy residing at 162 Morningside Ave. when asked, stated he was putting his recycling out to the curb when he noticed heavy dark-colored smoke coming from Borucki’s home.
Knowing Borucki had just returned from the hospital and needed the assistance of a walker to mobilize, Clancy stated he needed to do something right away. So, without hesitation and with great risk for his own safety, Clancy entered the front door of Borucki’s home, fought back choking smoke and made his way to the rear of the structure where he located Borucki, according to a prepared statement.
Once Borucki was safe outside, Clancy went back into the smoke-filled building to retrieve the walker. Clancy demonstrated a heroic act of kindness under extreme conditions that lead to a successful and positive ending.
Schweizer wishes to recognize his efforts and will forward the same to the mayor and council. The structure sustained fire damage to a bedroom, the adjoining rooms and smoke damage throughout. No firefighter injuries were reported while operating on scene.
The companies that responded to the fire were East Keansburg, Port Monmouth and Belford Engine.
The origin and cause of this fire is under investigation by the Middletown Fire Marshal’s Office, according to a prepared statement.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
