#BlueFriday: Rookie cop saves elderly man from burning building

A 92-year-old North Plainfield man is alive today because of the efforts of a rookie police officer who risked his own life Sunday.

Officer Jordan Rogers — this week’s honoree for #BlueFriday, host Bill Spadea’s weekly effort to recognize cops who go above and beyond the call of duty — had been a member of the North Plainfield Police Department for less than five months when he made the decision to run into a building that was engulfed by flames and heavy smoke during an apartment fire.

The blaze killed two residents at the Regency Village apartment complex, but the officer's efforts prevented a third fatality, according to authorities.

“He entered the building while it was burning and smoke-filled and found a 92-year-old male on the ground and carried him to safety,” Police Chief William Parenti said Sunday.

The victim was given medical attention and the police chief said he’s doing well.

According to Parenti, Rogers joined the North Plainfield Police Department on Feb. 29 of this year, and was raised in the community.

“He grew up in North Plainfield, went through all the schools here. He’s a really good guy,” Parenti said of the officer.

Know a great cop? Tweet @NJ1015 using the hashtag #BlueFriday or use the form below.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.