Men Made Human Ladder To Save Billy's Red Room Owners From Fire

HANOVER, NJ — The men who worked quickly to save the owners of Billy & Madeline's Red Room Tavern from the fire that destroyed the business don't want to be called heroes.

“We did what probably anyone would have done,’’ Kevin Bauer, one of the three men who sprung into action, said.

The Morris County Board of Freeholders disagrees, honoring Bauer, Andy Mottram, and former Hanover firefighter Frank DeMaio for their heroic, lifesaving actions on Nov. 27.

"A hero is defined as a person who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through ingenuity, bravery or strength, sacrificing his own personal concerns or safety for a greater good or to help others who are in need," Freeholder Director Doug Cabana said. "The actions of Frank DeMaio, Kevin Bauman and Andy Mottram, on Nov. 27, 2017, certainly fit that definition. The residents of Hanover Township and Morris County thank them for their actions."

The three men saw the flames and smoke coming from the tavern, and jumped out of their cars, running over to help. Mottrama and Bauer formed a human ladder to rescue Madeline Fornaro from a second floor bedroom, while DeMaio broke through the font door to locate and save Billy Fornaro.

The trio arrived several minutes before firefighters did, and freeholders credit their quick thinking with saving the lives of the Fornaros, both of whom are near 80 years-old.

On Nov. 27, a kitchen fire destroyed the 84-year-old Hanover tavern. No one was seriously injured in the fire, but the second and third floors collapsed as a result.

• Read More: Fire That Destroyed Billy's Red Room Tavern Started In Kitchen

Image via Morris County