In moments of crisis, the true character of individuals often shines through. This was evident during a devastating fire in Camden, New Jersey, in March 2018, where a group of young men and women became unlikely heroes.
Their quick actions saved a life, showcasing courage and selflessness in the face of danger. This blog post delves into the events of that night, the heroes involved, and the impact of their bravery.
The Fire Erupts
On a typical Friday night, a group of friends were enjoying their time together, unaware that a life-threatening situation was unfolding nearby.
At around 12:13 AM, a local resident reported a fire at an historic three-story brownstone apartment building located at 206 Cooper Street. The building was home to an elderly couple on one side and a Rutgers University Camden student on the other.
As the Camden City Fire Department received the urgent call, they quickly dispatched crews to the scene, arriving within four minutes. However, they soon realized they weren’t the first responders on-site. A group of students had already taken action, demonstrating remarkable bravery.
The Unlikely Heroes
While firefighters were assessing the situation, they noticed young men believed to be Rutgers University students assisting an elderly man out of the building.
Camden City Fire Department Chief Michael Harper later remarked on the commendable actions of these young men. Unfortunately, they left the scene before the firefighters could gather their names.
The elderly man, identified as Albert Parker, was taken care of by paramedics and rushed to Cooper Hospital for evaluation. Doctors confirmed he was physically unharmed, largely due to the quick thinking and actions of the students who helped him escape.
Identifying the Heroes
Days after the fire, the community began to learn more about the brave students. Eventually, they were identified as Jonathon Presgayden, Matteo Reza Novick, Kori Ziko, and Jonathan Perez. Their actions that night were not surprising to those familiar with the university’s strong civic engagement initiatives.
Marybeth Daisy, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, noted that these students felt a deep sense of responsibility to their community, which likely motivated their quick response to the emergency.
A Night Like Any Other
The night of the fire began as just another Friday for the group of friends. They spent hours hanging out and playing video games, specifically Nintendo’s Mario Kart. However, as the clock approached midnight, Tammy Meneses and Vanessa Solas Palma decided it was time to head home.
As they stepped outside, they were met with an alarming smell of smoke. The scent intensified as they walked down the street, leading them to spot flames bursting from a window of the brownstone complex. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tammy quickly called her friends to inform them of the fire.
Taking Action
Without hesitation, the four friends joined forces with Tammy and Vanessa, rushing toward the burning building. Upon arrival, they noticed something alarming: no one was evacuating the structure, and there were no smoke alarms sounding. This realization prompted the group to take action.
While Vanessa called 911, Cory Zuko contacted campus security. Meanwhile, Jonathan Perez and Matteo Reza Novick began banging on the fence and shouting to alert anyone inside. When no one responded, Mateo’s instincts kicked in. He literally broke down the front door to gain entry.
Inside the Inferno
Once inside, the students yelled “fire” repeatedly, attempting to wake anyone who might still be inside. They found 90-year-old Albert Parker and helped him down the stairs to safety. However, the situation took a tragic turn when Albert asked about his son, John Parker, who was still trapped on the third floor.
Mateo bravely went back inside to search for John. Despite the chaos, he made his way to the third floor, where he was met with an engulfing inferno. Flames were roaring beneath the door, and he quickly realized the danger of opening it. With no response from John, Mateo made the tough decision to retreat for safety.
The Aftermath
The fire department arrived shortly after the students’ heroic efforts and managed to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes. Tragically, they later discovered that John Parker did not survive the blaze.
Chief Harper expressed the somber reality of the situation, acknowledging the loss of life amidst the successful rescue of Albert.
Despite the tragedy, the students felt a sense of accomplishment for saving Albert’s life. Jonathan commented on the importance of community, stating, “I liked our community.
Our neighborhood just trying to keep it safe and do the right thing.” Their actions were driven by a desire to help, and they were deeply affected by the loss of John Parker.
A Grateful Reunion
In the days that followed, a reunion between Albert Parker and his rescuers occurred. This emotional meeting allowed Albert to express his gratitude to the young men who saved his life. “You saved my life, thank you,” he told them, highlighting the profound impact of their actions.
Jaime Parker, John’s brother, also expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thank God the other one didn’t happen, and my father was saved.” The community rallied around the Parker family, offering support during this difficult time.
A Lesson in Courage
The story of the Camden fire is a powerful reminder of the potential for heroism in everyday life. It showcases how ordinary individuals can rise to the occasion in extraordinary circumstances. The actions of Jonathon, Mateo, Cory, and Jonathan exemplify selflessness and bravery that can inspire others to act when faced with similar challenges.
As we reflect on this incident, let it serve as a call to action for all of us. In moments of crisis, we have the capacity to make a difference. Whether it’s through immediate action or supporting those in need, we can all be heroes in our own right.
