Civilian Life Safety Award – Two Residents Recognized for Rescuing Woman from House Fire

Wyckoff, N.J. — November 11 — Two local residents were recognized for their actions during a residential structure fire on Patton Place, where they helped rescue a woman trapped inside the burning home.

John VanCalcar and Casey Heemskerk received the Civilian Life Safety Award from the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department and Township Committee for their actions during the incident.

According to the department, an explosion awakened VanCalcar and his wife, Kelly. He went across the street to investigate and heard a woman calling for help from inside the home. The woman was unable to escape because of a disability. Heemskerk, who had stopped after encountering the fire, joined VanCalcar in the rescue.

Despite heavy black smoke and dangerous conditions, the two men worked together to open the door and remove the woman from the residence. They remained with her until emergency responders arrived.

The Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the reported structure fire with a possible explosion on October 2. Firefighters conducted suppression and ventilation operations, while mutual-aid companies either responded to the scene or provided coverage.

The fire was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Patton Place. The Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps transported the woman to the hospital for evaluation of smoke inhalation and burns. Her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. The fire was believed to have started in a front bedroom, and the cause remained under investigation in the initial report. 

The incident required mutual-aid support from surrounding communities, although the individual assisting fire departments were not identified in the available reports. No additional agencies have been assumed.