In the photo, Hackettstown Fire Chief Michael Gibbs is handing a citation plaque to firefighter John Tillou, one of three Hackettsown firefighters who risked their lives during a fire earlier this year.
Tillou, his cousin Fred Tillou, and Jamie Taylor were honored at a small ceremony during a Hackettstown Council meeting in September.
The three were among the respondents to a fire in Mansfield Township, a fire which claimed the lives of residents Carl and Margaret Salerno. The men rescued Anthony Salerno, the adult son of those killed, via a basement window. To gain access to the basement they had to remove their breathing apparatus, no minor step under the circumstances.
Mansfield volunteer firefighter Les Titus, who lives a few doors down from the home, also entered the home to help, and was honored subsequently by the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation.
These are examples of why we recoil when the word "hero" is used lightly. Without the selflessness of these men, this fire would likely have claimed a third victim.
But there is a disturbing twist to the story. It was later determined that the fire was intentionally set, and the deaths of Mr and Mrs Salerno were ruled homicides. Charged was Carmine Salerno, older son of the victims and brother of the man rescued. As of this writing he is in jail awaiting trial. The charges include two counts of felony murder, second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree aggravated arson.
It is alleged that Carmine Salerno set two fires in the home, both placed so that it would be impossible for his sleeping family members to escape the house without encountering one of the fires.
It is one thing when a fire caused by an electrical short or a faulty chimney puts firefighters at risk. But it is quite another when an arsonist does so. Making than small ceremony back in September all the more meaningful.
Tillou, his cousin Fred Tillou, and Jamie Taylor were honored at a small ceremony during a Hackettstown Council meeting in September.
The three were among the respondents to a fire in Mansfield Township, a fire which claimed the lives of residents Carl and Margaret Salerno. The men rescued Anthony Salerno, the adult son of those killed, via a basement window. To gain access to the basement they had to remove their breathing apparatus, no minor step under the circumstances.
Mansfield volunteer firefighter Les Titus, who lives a few doors down from the home, also entered the home to help, and was honored subsequently by the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation.
These are examples of why we recoil when the word "hero" is used lightly. Without the selflessness of these men, this fire would likely have claimed a third victim.
But there is a disturbing twist to the story. It was later determined that the fire was intentionally set, and the deaths of Mr and Mrs Salerno were ruled homicides. Charged was Carmine Salerno, older son of the victims and brother of the man rescued. As of this writing he is in jail awaiting trial. The charges include two counts of felony murder, second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree aggravated arson.
It is alleged that Carmine Salerno set two fires in the home, both placed so that it would be impossible for his sleeping family members to escape the house without encountering one of the fires.
It is one thing when a fire caused by an electrical short or a faulty chimney puts firefighters at risk. But it is quite another when an arsonist does so. Making than small ceremony back in September all the more meaningful.
