Mantoloking Fire Chief Who Suffered Heart Attack During Blaze Thanks His Rescuers

Mantoloking Fire Chief Larry Gilman says there is no way he could ever forget the help he received after suffering a heart attack at the height of a blaze that broke out on

Gilman spoke out in a letter today posted on the Mantoloking Fire Company Facebook page about how thankful he is to so many people who helped him that night.

"There are so many people to thank, this might get a little long-winded," he wrote in the letter.

He first praised Point Pleasant First Aid Squad members Jerry Meaney, Rachel Gibson, Brien Schliep and Chet Nesly.

"If it wasn't for them I would not be here with those that mean the most to me today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart - my family and I thank you immensely. There is no way I could ever repay you for what you did that night. I will always remember and never forget."

Bay Head police officers, Patrolman Robert Sherman and Patrolman Sean Vaughn helped medical personnel. Sherman ran to his car and grabbed a defibrillator, Vaugh stayed with Gilman's daughter who is also an auxiliary fire department member, he said in the post.

He also named a number of people who are instrumental in his recovery and his efforts to go home.

"You have no idea what this has done to and for me, Gilman wrote. "Being a very humble person, I cannot figure out how to deal with all these acts of kindness. I am amazed, elated and incredibly grateful to all. It is wonderful to know that there is human kindness out there when someone needs it the most. These acts neither go unnoticed or without my deepest and sincerest gratitude."

The fire broke out in a 2.5 story home on Channel Lane on Feb. 28.

To read the entire letter, click here.