Unconscious Person Rescued From Car Fire At Cemetery In Naugatuck

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Prospect Fire Department safety officer is being credited with saving the life of an unconscious person during a car fire Sunday in Naugatuck, according to fire officials.

Engine 2 and Rescue 1 from the Naugatuck Fire Department responded to a reported care fire at Grove Cemetery. Firefighters found a vehicle on fire and a small brush fire ensued, according to officials. Engine 3 was called to assist with water supply as the “fuel tank of the vehicle ruptured,” officials said.

“The larger part of this story is that Prospect Fire Department Safety Officer Jay Kolodziej was at the cemetery,” officials wrote in a post on Facebook. “Jay noticed smoke and went to the area to investigate, where he found the vehicle on fire. Having a fire department radio, Jay called Naugatuck Dispatch for the response. Getting closer to the vehicle Jay noticed an unconscious person in the car. Jay opened the door and pulled the person from the vehicle as flames encroached into the passenger compartment.

“Firefighter Kolodziej stayed with the person until fire and EMS arrived on scene. The vehicle occupant was transported by Naugatuck EMS with non-life threating injuries. The Naugatuck Fire Department recognizes Prospect Fire Department Safety Officer Jay Kolodziej for his actions that certainly saved a life. Great job and thank you !”