NJ Police Officer Who Once Saved Animals From Fire Retiring After 26 Years

Rafael Burgos' law enforcement career, which was filled with accolades, is coming to an end next month.

10/10/2024 4:51 p.m.

Burgos will be retiring from the Franklin Borough Police Department on Monday, Nov. 4, after 29 years of service, with the last 26 years spent in Franklin. A walkout ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. at police headquarters at 15 Corkhill Rd.

Aside from being a police officer, Burgos was a member of the United States Coast Guard. After graduating from the Ocean County Police Academy, he began his career in Allentown, NJ, before joining Franklin Borough, rising up to the rank of sergeant in 2017.

Burgos received an award for rescuing an elderly woman from a house fire.

In 2014, Burgos sustained smoke inhalation after he rescued numerous pets from a fire at Pet Center in Franklin. Burgos and others helped birds, gerbils, dogs, cats, and a chinchilla safely escape the blaze.

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