New Jersey Police on the Trail of Stolen Car Become Heroes in House Fire Rescue

Two New Jersey police officers were hot on the trail of a stolen vehicle when they spotted smoke coming out of a second-floor building. They quickly abandoned their mission to attempt a daring house fire rescue, leading to the safety of a mom and her toddler.

Officers Attempt Brave House Fire Rescue

As the two New Jersey police officers, Detective Sgt. Ruddy Garita and Detective Darin Sliker, headed toward the burning building, a man ran out and told the officers he believed people were inside.

"From the rear window, a woman and child were screaming for help," the Summit Police Department said. 

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"I saw - looked up and saw a female holding her infant child out the window,” Ruddy said. “The last thing we thought that was going to happen was us pulling up to a fire.”

Darin ran inside and tried to break down a barrier to get to the mom and child, but there was too much smoke. 

Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Ruddy quickly grabbed a nearby contractor’s ladder from a construction site across the street and placed it against the window. He quickly pulled the toddler from the building. The mom also climbed down. 

"They breached a locked door and shouted through the darkness to ensure no one was trapped, ultimately confirming that all occupants had escaped before retreating," the police department said. 

"One of the reasons we get into this job is we have to overcome and adapt to situations and be ready for anything is at hand with us," Darin said. "Our job is to help and save people so whatever the situation is we have to figure out a resolution.”

All Part of the ‘Job’

“That’s just what we do,” said Ruddy. “We’re not going to run away. Our job is to go towards danger and help out as much as we can and luckily this was a good story.”

“No matter what the situation is, if it’s a fire or a police job, you know, we’re there to help protect people and put people first, and you know, that’s what it called for that day. That’s what we had to do,” Darin said. 

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Ruddy added, "The oath we take isn't bound by the boundaries of where we work for. So we were lucky to be in the right situation and help out as much as we could.”

The Summit Police Chief called the men’s actions “heroic” and credited their training, instincts, and dedication to protect. 

Thanks to the officers, everyone involved made it out of the fire with no injuries. Thank goodness they were alert to their surroundings and weren’t overly focused on tracking the missing car. 

WATCH: New Jersey Police on the Trail of Stolen Car Become Heroes in House Fire Rescue

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS New York

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.