Firefighters honored for heroics
By ROBERT LINNEHAN
The Cherry Hill Sun
12/27/2009

The Cherry Hill Fire Department and two firefighters were lauded by members of council and Mayor Bernie Platt at last week’s council meeting for their heroic actions at a three-alarm fire that consumed a building at the Woods Condominium complex in early November.

Lt. James Collins and firefighter Ed Micua were honored by Platt and council for their decision to rush into the blazing building after a neighbor told the firefighters that resident Ruth Rabinowitz, 63, was still in her condo.

The two firefighters successfully helped Rabinowitz from her home before she could suffer any permanent injuries and waited with her until she was transported to Temple University Hospital for treatment.

“Lt. Collins and firefighter Micua exemplify what it means to be a Cherry Hill firefighter. Their actions saved the life of Ms. Rabinowitz and demonstrate the entire department’s commitment to the residents of Cherry Hill,” Platt said, reading from a proclamation in honor of the two heroes.

Platt also presented a proclamation to the entire fire department and the bravery of its members, including Battalion Chief Richard Harris, and the members of Ladder Co. 44, Engine Co. 31, Squad Co. 13, and EMS units 93 and 96.

At the time of the incident, Fire Chief Giorgio said a call came into the fire district at 2 a.m. on Nov. 11, and trucks were on the scene within minutes. Overall, 50 firefighters helped fight the fire, which escalated into a three-alarm blaze before the fight was concluded.

The first units on the scene found well-advanced fire with flames showing through three windows, Giorgio said.

He also noted that the fire was so well advanced that shortly after initiating interior operations, the second floor bedroom floor collapsed into the first. Firefighters continued their efforts to control the fire before it spread to the adjoining units.

Chief of Staff Dan Keashen said about 40 members of the fire department were on hand for the meeting.

Platt said the township would always remember the bravery of the two firefighters and the entire department.

“I, Bernard A. Platt, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim December 14, 2009, as Lt. Collins and Firefighter Micua Day in the township of Cherry Hill,” he read. “I urge all citizens to join with me and council in thanking these individuals for their life-saving actions, and for their continued willingness to risk their own safety on behalf of the residents of Cherry Hill.”

He also declared the day as “Cherry Hill Fire Department Day,” in the township.