Photo: Asbury Park Police Department
An eight-year-old boy is recovering after jumping from a second-story window during a house fire in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on Monday (August 25). Officer Dewitt Bacon, 33, heard the child's cries for help and, along with Officer John Walsh and local resident Joseph Dunbar, caught the boy as he leaped to safety.
Officer Bacon recounted the event during a press conference, describing how he urged the child to break the window and jump to safety. The boy was then transferred to the Asbury Park Fire Department and taken to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out at 510 Prospect Avenue, with heavy smoke and flames visible upon the arrival of emergency responders. The Asbury Park Fire Department, with assistance from the American Red Cross and Asbury Park Social Services, managed the situation and provided support to affected residents.
As reported by the Asbury Park Police Department, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshals. Police Director John B. Hayes commended the bravery of Officers Bacon and Walsh, as well as Dunbar, for their quick response and heroic actions.
"All involved displayed courage and bravery — including the 8-year-old juvenile who jumped from the window. I also want to recognize all of the officers and firefighters on scene for their professionalism in keeping our residents safe," Hayes said.