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Firefighter Robert Decker, a 20-year veteran of the Wallington Fire Department, was at work at Wallington Plumbing Supply when he saw smoke pouring from a nearby building at 108 Wallington Avenue, the police department said.
At 3:18 p.m. on March 12, firefighters and police responded to a 911 call reporting a house fire, where they arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the kitchen, authorities said.
Before emergency crews could make entry, Decker ran from his office, rushed inside, and began searching for occupants, officials said.
Despite thick smoke and dangerous conditions, Decker located an adult victim inside the apartment, carried them to safety, and got them medical attention, police said.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital, authorities said.
Wallington Mayor Melissa Dabal commended Decker for his heroic and selfless actions.
"We're incredibly proud of Firefighter Decker’s bravery and selflessness," Dabal said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Wallington Police Department, and Wallington Fire Prevention Office, officials said.
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