On March 1, 2024, Lakewood EMS, Lakewood Police and Lakewood Fire Departments responded to an area on Route 70 for a reported vehicle fire. EMS was traveling in the area when they heard the Fire Department’s dispatch and requested to be placed on the call.
As the EMS unit arrived, they advised dispatch that the vehicle was overturned and heavily engulfed in flames. After further assessment, they noticed a person was trapped under the vehicle. The crew attempted to remove the victim, but his lower extremities were pinned between the roof of the car and the ground.
Both EMT’s Caruso and La Valle, and Lakewood Police including Officers Jacobs and Rusk attempted to extinguish the flames but was not ultimately successful as the vehicle was fully engulfed. They then successfully lifted the vehicle enough to remove the trapped victim and move him to a safe location, where he was quickly taken to the hospital.
FMBA 380 Members Caruso and La Valle have now received valor awards at the annual 200 Club dinner. On behalf of FMBA Local 380 we are extremely proud of the heroism and bravery that these two gentlemen displayed that night.
