Crime & Safety

Heights Fire Officials Honor Michael Cutruzzula [VIDEO]

Fire officials said the youngster's quick action in calling 911 helped them keep the fire contained to the rear of the house.

It was Michael Cutruzzula's quick action and bravery on April 5 that helped the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department keep a fire to his neighbor's back deck from getting out of control.

The youngster was honored Tuesday by fire officials and the governing body for his "heroic" efforts earlier this month. On the afternoon of April 5, Cutruzulla was in his room playing games when he smelled smoke, looked out the window and saw his neighbor's deck on fire, he had told Patch.

"His quick and professional action led to the proper response by the Hasbrouck Heights Fire and Police departments due to his quick thinking and acton the fire was distinguished and contained to the rear of house," stated Fire Chief Richard Giarratana as he read Cutruzzula his distinguished service award.

Find out what's happening in Hasbrouck Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The chief said Cutruzzula's call "also saved his own home as the wind was driving the fire to his home melting the siding that was just a short distance a way."

As Councilman David Gonzalez put it, "his quick action saved a lot of people from a lot of stress." 

Find out what's happening in Hasbrouck Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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