3 Teens Celebrated For Helping Residents Escape Ocean Co. House Fire

BERKELEY, NJ — Three Central Regional students are being celebrated for their lifesaving actions in a Pine Beach house fire.

Mayor John Bacchione and the Berkeley Township Council presented Jakob Badtmann, Noel Acevedo and Danny Maresca with certificates of appreciation at their latest meeting.

The three teens were walking home from fishing when they came across a house with smoke pouring out of it, Bacchione said.

It was shortly before midnight, according to the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

They tried to find a way into the house to let the occupants know their house was on fire, but the doors were locked.

So, the boys called 911, and threw a chair through a window to help the residents get to safety.

By doing this, they saved three lives, Bacchione said.

"We really, truly, appreciate your initiative and you guys being great citizens and saving lives," Bacchione said.

Councilman Angelo Guadagno had a simpler message.

"You guys are a bunch of badasses," Guadagno said.

He emphasized that all of Berkeley was proud of the three boys.

"It's so easy to look away or walk away, or not to do the right thing," Guadagno said.

"You guys should be proud of yourselves," he said.