Fire At South Hunterdon Apartments In Lambertville Claims A Life

LAMBERTVILLE, NJ — An early morning fire at the South Hunterdon Apartments at 181 North Main Street claimed the life of a city man on January 12.

Lambertville, New Jersey Mayor Andrew J. Nowick confirmed on January 13 that David Sloane, who had lived at the apartments since 2010, died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire.

At 1:34 a.m. on January 12, the Lambertville Police Department and the Lambertville Fire

Department were dispatched to the apartments for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, police officers found Sloane unconscious. He was removed from the residence, evaluated, and airlifted to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

A Naval veteran and an avid reader, Sloane had assisted for years in the administration and maintenance of the apartment complex.

"The City joins his family and friends in mourning his tragic death and we extend our heartfelt condolences," said Mayor Nowick.

Six apartments of the 17 unit complex were evacuated. A temporary shelter was established at Lambertville Public School and residents were subsequently placed in the care of local family and friends.

According to the mayor's office, Police Sergeant Anthony Memolo, Police Officer Kevin Bereheiko, firefighter and Hunterdon County Deputy OEM Coordinator Andrew Camp, and firefighters Donald and Gavin Hart were the first to arrive on the scene.

Outfitted in protective gear, Camp pulled Sloane from the fire and together the firemen removed Sloane to a safe location, after which Mr. Camp, Sergeant Memolo and Office Bereheiko largely extinguished the blaze.

During the rescue, Lambertville Police Sergeant Anthony Memolo suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest where he was treated and released. A second Lambertville officer, Kevin Bereheiko, was sent to Hunterdon Medical Center with minor injuries and was released.

"The City gratefully acknowledges the bravery and heroism of Sergeant Memolo, Officer Bereheiko, Mr. Donald Hart, Mr. Gavin Hart and Mr. Camp, and expresses further gratitude to all the first responders who raced to the scene," said Mayor Nowick. "Through preparedness and a driven dedication to service and public safety, these emergency responders are ever ready to answer the call. On behalf of the City of Lambertville, I thank them for their commitment, courageousness, and quick action."

The following fire companies responded to the alarm: Lambertville Fire Department, West Amwell Fire, New Hope, Stockton, Sergeantsville, Amwell Valley, Midway, Quakertown, as well as multiple units from Mercer County.

The following police departments responded: Lambertville, Raritan Township, Flemington, West Amwell, and Delaware Township. Members from the Lambertville OEM and C.E.R.T were on the scene to assist displaced residents.

The following EMS departments responded: Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad, Flemington Rescue Squad, Quakertown Rescue Squad, and the ALS Unit of Hunterdon Medical Center.

The fire has been ruled accidental following a joint investigation by the Lambertville Fire Department, the Lambertville Police Department, the Lambertville Fire Official, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office, and the State Fire Marshall.