https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=156995250722143
By Glenn Epps
The Express-Times
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Hackettstown police released body-camera footage via the department’s social media accounts Wednesday showing an officer’s perspective while helping to evacuate a burning home in Independence Township over the weekend.
Since its initial post, the video has received numerous positive compliments from viewers congratulating the officer on his rescue of a 91-year-old woman who was trapped in her bed during the fire.
The officer credited with performing the rescue in the video was identified on Wednesday as Hackettstown Police Officer Ryan Blankenship.
Authorities said Blankenship responded around 2:27 a.m. Saturday, June 24, to assist Independence Township police with a reported fire with entrapment at a home on Thomas Drive in the township.
Upon arriving, police said, Blankenship located the woman in her bedroom, climbed through her window and lifted the woman from her bed, handing her out the window to Independence Township Fire Chief Clyde Snyder and Independence Township Police Sgt. Scott Stocker and Officer Rafael Ortiz.
Ortiz moments earlier had assisted the woman’s 61-year-old daughter from the blaze, police said.
“Officers never know when the next call will come or what that call will be, but they are always prepared. This video gives an insight into the officers’ courage and bravery that is displayed every single day,” the Hackettstown Police Department wrote in the post to its Facebook page, which was also shared via Twitter.
Praise for both officers’ actions continued rolling in over the afternoon.
“Just in time, phenomenal job by all!” one commenter wrote.
“God bless our first responders,” another commenter said.
After the woman was rescued, she was turned over to medical crews who rendered first aid, authorities said.
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