MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Morris Township officials took time out to honor three civil servants who helped save the lives of township residents during incidents in Morris Township in March.
Firefighter Sean McCloskey, Officer Miguel Palacio and Battalion Chief Dan Nunn received official recognition from the Morris Township Council at the meeting on Wednesday, April 19.
According to the council, Palacio, one of the newest members of the Morris Township Police Department, has already demonstrated his ability and willingness to respond to critical emergencies during his first year of service.
Palacio responded to a structure fire on March 24 and immediately located the home’s sole occupant and her dog. Palacio quickly assessed the situation and swiftly and skillfully provided her with a secure and easy exit from the property, away from the fire, and protected her from any further potential danger, officials said.
“He has earned the deep respect of his fellow police officers, rescue personnel, the governing body, and residents for whom he worked so diligently with effort and efficiency, and all who have been fortunate to work with him, and look forward to doing so for many years to come,” the township said.
Nunn was also recognized for his contribution to the March 24 house fire. He was the battalion on call, and his house was directly across the street from the fire, officials said.
As he walked out of his house, Nunn said he heard screams for help coming from the back of 18 Sherman Ave. He went around the back of the house, where he saw smoke and fire coming from the small cottage house in the backyard.
Nunn oversaw the fire operations, assessed and confirmed the emergency quickly and accurately, requested a second alarm, and expertly directed operations on the scene when other firefighting personnel arrived.
Nunn has rendered to the citizens of the Township of Morris over forty years of faithful service as a Morris Township Fire Department volunteer firefighter, and during his years of service, he has served tirelessly and loyally performed the duties and obligations thrust upon him,” officials said.
On March 21, McCloskey, who was off-duty and spending the day hiking at Pyramid Mountain in the Township of Montville, came across a hiker with a traumatic injury and in distress and immediately sprang into action.
McCloskey took it upon himself to carry the injured hiker for an extensive distance down the mountain to a safe area where other emergency response personnel could treat her.
In addition to carrying the hiker, McCloskey worked with the patient’s brother to create a splint out of the extremely limited materials available—a stick and duct tape—which was effective in securing the patient’s injury until the EMS teams arrived.
Official proclamations were presented to Palacio, Nunn, and McCloskey in recognition and appreciation for their lifesaving and heroic efforts.