Five Freehold Borough police officers saved the lives of three Piscataway residents after they observed smoke coming from a home on River Road.

While traveling back to Freehold from training in Somerset earlier this week, Officer Jaye Slatas, Shaun Hobbs, Nick Iozzi, Mark Garahan, and Det. John Reiff, sprang into action although they were far from home.

“While in Piscataway, Slatas observed smoke coming from a house,” Police Chief Glenn Roberts said. “The officers ended up kicking in the front door and alerted the two residents on the first floor that there was a fire. The two had no idea there was even a fire upstairs.”

After getting the two residents out, the officers continued through the home until they reached a separate apartment where an incoherent woman was found. Roberts explained that the fire was coming from one of the rooms in the apartment.

The area police and fire department were called, and took over the scene once they arrived.

“My guys risked their lives and were able to save three people,” said Roberts. “I am very proud of my guys, they did an outstanding job helping others. It was a shinning example of what we do here.”