South Jersey Officer Rescues Man From Fire

Authorities say a southern New Jersey police officer rescued a man from his burning home.Deptford officer Tim Parks was nearing the end of his overnight shift when he responded to the two-story home and saw 58-year-old Christopher Mach trapped inside. Parks then forced his way in and got Mach out of the home shortly before firefighters arrived.

Mach suffered first- and second-degree burns to his upper torso and is hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Parks, a former Marine and 10-year veteran of the force, had just returned to service two weeks ago after a prolonged absence for elbow surgery. He twisted his knee when he kicked in a door to enter the home, but was not seriously injured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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