The firefighters and police officers who evacuated South Paterson residents minutes before a gas explosion leveled three homes and left several others damaged were recognized by a grateful city on Tuesday night for their valor and swift action that saved lives.
Council members recognized 16 firemen and 2 policemen for their bravery with citations. Business owner Yaser Baker, who owns Al Basha Restaurant, was also recognized for serving food to those impacted at the scene on October 4th, 2016.
“We owe you an eternal debt of gratitude,” councilman Andre Sayegh, who represents the 6th Ward, where South Paterson is located, told the honorees. He was joined by councilman Luis Velez of the 5th Ward who called out the names of each of the firefighters and police officers for their citations at the city council chamber.
“It was the efforts of those individuals over there, members of Engine Company 6, Rescue 1, Ladder 1, and Battalion 1, who through their training, through their initiative, and through their will knew what they had to do and did it,” said fire chief Michael Postorino pointing to his men sitting in the audience.
The gas leak was reported at 9:01 a.m. at 16 Goshen Street. As firefighters and police officers scrambled to evacuate residents in surrounding homes 16 Goshen Street exploded at 9:24 a.m. injuring more than a dozen firefighters.
37 people were displaced as a result of the explosion on that Tuesday morning. The quick thinking of the city’s first responders saved lives on that day, said Velez and Sayegh.
Below is a list of those recognized:
Commanders
Deputy chief William Henderson
Battalion chief Brian Rathbone
Rescue Company 2
Captain Arthur Woods
Firefighter Keith Eickhorst
Firefighter Frank Morrell
Firefighter Michael Hook
Firefighter John Jones
Ladder Company 1
Captain Matthew Ganci
Firefighter John Forbes
Firefighter Timothy DeHass
Firefighter Malik Moody
Engine Company 6
Captain Michael Caposella
Firefighter Scott VanBaulen
Firefighter Gabriel Crichlow
Firefighter Jerome Hunter
Firefighter Israel Montes
Police officers
John Luizziv
Juan Sieira.
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