Stafford Officers Commended For Life-Saving Fire Rescue

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township police officers were recently honored for their life-saving actions during a structure fire in February 2026.

Sergeant Robert Woodring, Senior Master Police Officer Brian Brown, Patrolman Zachary Otte and Patrolman Sean O'Rourke received commendations for their efforts at a recent Township Council meeting.

The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., when the Stafford Township Police Department responded to a reported structure fire on Yeoman Road. Upon arrival, officers found the residence fully engulfed in flames with three occupants still inside.

WATCH: Stafford Cops Rescue Man Jumping From Burning Home

Resident Susan Tolino, 69, was able to exit the home through the smoke and flame-filled front living room, accompanied by her two dogs. Another resident, Frank Tolino, 70, became trapped on an upstairs balcony, approximately 20 feet from the ground. Fire and heavy smoke rapidly advanced towards him, leaving no safe means of escape.

Woodring, Brown, Otte and O'Rourke positioned themselves below the balcony. They urged Tolino to jump, and successfully caught him, removing him from imminent danger. The officers narrowly avoided the smoke and flames that were engulfing the balcony.

A third resident, 92-year-old Betty Matero, tragically lost her life in the fire.

Mayor Robert Henken of Stafford Township commended the officers for their actions.

"I actually had tears in my eyes," Henken said.

Henken, on behalf of the Township Council, recognized the officers for their "extraordinary courage, decisive action and unwavering commitment to safety and protection in the residents of the community.