Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Union City Police Department on their work during a fire in the area of 27th Street and Central Avenue on September 4 at which I was present. I especially want to commend the diligence and quick response of Police Officer Mario Cartas.
While on his nightly rounds of the neighborhood, Officer Cartas observed flames at the building. It was approximately 4 a.m. and the occupants of the building were asleep. He immediately called in the fire and began to evacuate the residents, with the assistance of several other police officers who quickly arrived on the scene including Max Lara, John Puente, Bryan De La Torre, William Varona, Jose Perez and Robert Molinari.
I also want to thank North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and Chief Brian McEldowney for a great job containing this potentially tragic fire.
The quick response of all on the scene undoubtedly saved the occupants of this dwelling from serious injury or worse and kept the fire from spreading to adjacent apartments in the building. I want to thank these officers and firefighters for another job well done.
Michael A. Leggiero
Commissioner, Union City Dept. of Public Safety