Woman Rescued from Smoke-Filled Apartment by Lower Twp. Officers

NORTH CAPE MAY — Grease that cooked french fries started a smoky fire in an apartment early July 21, and a 35-year-old female was rescued by Lower Township Police officers.
At 5:30 a.m. July 21, Lower Township police received a report of an audible alarm at the Town Bank Manor Apartments, 620 Townbank Road.
When Officers Michael Majane, C.J. Ryan, and Matthew Dickinson arrived, they determined it to be a smoke detector, and Town Bank Volunteer Fire Department was summoned. Residents of the apartment complex also told officers that a mother and her 10-year-old son lived in that apartment.
When officers received no response at the door, they forced entry into the apartment with a pry tool. Officer encountered heavy smoke in the building, and they mounted a search for the 35-year-old female in the back bedroom.
The female was disoriented and began to struggle with the officers.
Officers had to carry the female from the building. Once outside, she advised them that her son was still in the apartment.
Officers accompanied by Sgt. John Chew reentered the apartment and did a quick search of the building, but could not find the child.
Firefighters arrived and conducted another search of the building, and quickly extinguished the fire, which was determined to be grease on top of the stove where the woman had been making French fries.
The female and four police officers were treated on scene for smoke inhalation by Lower Township Rescue Squad.
The officers were also seen at Cape Urgent Care after they complained of burning throats and stomach problems.
The 10-year-old was later located at his grandparents’ residence.