Two Freehold Officers Honored For Rescue Of Man Trapped In Fire

FREEHOLD, NJ—Police Officers Brian Ruegger and Patrick Healey, who responded to a fire last year and saved a trapped elderly resident, were honored for their quick action by the 200 Club of Monmouth County on Thursday.

Thanks to their actions, the resident was pulled from a window and kept out of harm's way, the department said.

A letter from Lt. Rich Ciampa recommending the officers for the honor tells the dramatic story of the rescue:

At about 9:30 a.m. on March 9, 2021, there was a report of a fire at 15 Vought Ave. in the borough.

It was described as a “working house fire, with black smoke and people still inside,”

"Within seconds, Officer Brian Ruegger was the first to respond, as he was nearby on another call for service. Immediately upon his arrival, he confirmed a working structure fire and reported heavy smoke billowing from the residence. He also confirmed the entrapment of at least one resident.

"Officer Patrick Healey arrived on scene and he and Ruegger were able to make contact with the resident through an elevated front facing window of the home. They quickly realized that the elderly gentleman was confused and possibly disoriented from the dark smoke that was filling up the room behind him.

"Officers Ruegger and Healey made several attempts to direct the resident out of the home but to no avail. It was then that the officers realized that in addition to a state of confusion, the elderly resident was disabled and immobile," the letter explained.

The home was actively burning with fire moving toward the front of the house. So entering through the front door was not an option.

"Despite a stature of 6’4”, the height of the window was still near the extent of Ruegger’s reach," the letter recounted.

"Then, with a combination of conviction and luck, Ruegger was able to convince the resident to poke his head through the window opening just enough to grasp his clothing. Left with no other option, Officers Rugger and Healey (assisted by a civilian at the scene) physically yanked the resident through the window opening and out to safety," the letter continued.

"The quick response and decisive actions of Officers Ruegger and Healey undoubtedly saved a life that day, and because of their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way for a member of the community, no member of the community was harmed," Ciampa wrote.

According to its website, the 200 Club of Monmouth County supports first responders in Monmouth County by giving them the comfort of knowing that, if they pay the ultimate sacrifice for their service or are seriously injured in the line-of-duty, The 200 Club of Monmouth County will be there to support their families financially, according to Benjamin J. Lucarelli, president.

The club also holds a Valor Award event, gives scholarships and sponsors other events, as well as recognizing extraordinary police work.

Persons interested in joining or supporting the 200 Club of Monmouth County can visit its website.