Overlook Medical Center Employee Fought Fire Until Help Arrived

SUMMIT, NJ - Keith Peterson did not think when he reported for work at Overlook Hopsital on June 25 that part of his shift would be spent fighting a car fire. But that is exactly what happened and his employers and the Summit Fire Department are commending him for it.

Peterson was on duty at 1:46 a.m. when he witnessed a motor vehicle catch fire and immediately attacked the blaze with a portable fire extinguisher to control the fire until the Summit Fire Department arrived on scene.

Peterson was trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers as part of an ongoing Atlantic Health System employee fire safety training program conducted in partnership with the Summit Fire Department, officials said.

“Portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires until the fire department arrives,” Fire Chief Eric Evers said. “But portable extinguishers do have limitations. As fires grow and spread rapidly, the number one priority is for people to exit safely. Every household should also have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.”

Evers said it is through the dedicated efforts of fire prevention Lieutenant Joe Moschello and Atlantic Health System fire safety officer David McCabe to initiate consistent and ongoing training practices that made the difference.

"Employees like Mr. Peterson are able to successfully react in emergency situations. I commend him for his quick thinking and commitment to following established protocols,” Evers said.

For more information on the Summit Fire Department and its fire safety initiatives, visit the City of Summit website.

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