Crime & Safety

VIDEO: Firefighters Honored for January Pine Lake Park Rescues

The Manchester Township Council presented fireman Pablo Martinez and junior member Steve House awards at its April 25 meeting

Two firefighters were honored Monday by Manchester's mayor and town council for rescuing two house fire victims from a Pine Lake Park residence in January.

Fireman Pablo Martinez and junior member Steve House, members of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Co., were presented with Meritorious Service Awards for saving Robert Rankin, 50, and Rosemary Rankin, 48, after their Commonwealth Boulevard residence went up in flames on Jan. 29.

"These guys do an incredible job," said council president Craig Wallis after presenting the emergency responders with their certificates.

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"Thank you so much for what you do for our community," said Councilman Brendan Weiner. "It's a wonderful thing."

Martinez thanked his fellow firefighters for their support and encouragement.

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"Without those guys that I mentioned, my training wouldn't have happened," Martinez said. "I hope one day I can be chief ... and support this town."

Responding officers located the homeowners, who Manchester Chief of Brian Klimakowski identified as Robert and Rosemary Rankin, in their upstairs bedroom. They were evacuated down a ladder leading from their window.

Robert Rankin was taken by helicopter to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia after suffering burns, police said. 

Rosemary Rankin was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where she was treated for injuries and released the next day.

According to Klimakowski, the blaze sent heavy smoke through the two- story home.


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