I-78 Hero's Actions Inspire Stumpy's To Create Award In His Honor

GREEN BROOK, NJ — By now many have read and shared Barry Whalen's incredible and heroic story of saving an unconscious woman's life by pulling her from a burning car following a crash on I-78 in Basking Ridge on Monday.

Inspired by his story, Stumpy's Hatchet House in Green Brook is creating an award honoring Whalen's lifesaving efforts. Whalen will also be offered an award and prize.

• See Related: Heroic Driver Pulled Woman From Burning Car In I-78 Crash

"This story had us at the edge of our seat and we were really touched. It inspired Mark and I to come up with another community outreach idea and in his honor we are creating a Hero of the Month award from Stumpy’s Green Brook to applaud outstanding people and to recognize heroic actions in our neighborhood," said Monica Milan, owner of Stumpy's in Green Brook.

Milan extended a Hero of the Month Certificate with a complimentary 1 hour throwdown for two people to Whalen.

When told of the award, a modest Whalen emphasized the fact that he did not act alone in his efforts and did not consider himself to be a hero. Stumpy's clearly disagreed.

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