By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — Two patrol officers rescued Teri Fallon, 49, and Daniel Fallon, 61, from the second floor of their burning home, 11 Bristol Way, just after 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.
The officers, patrolmen Earl Biddy and Troy McWhorter, assisted two residents — a man and woman — who escaped the blaze by jumping from a second-floor window, according to the East Windsor Township Police Department.
"Patrol Officer Biddy and Patrol Officer McWhorter are both outstanding, experienced police officers,” said police Chief William Spain on Wednesday. “I am pleased that their prompt, professional and decisive response to this emergency resulted in the evacuation of our residents without injury to any of the involved parties.”
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov said, “We are thankful for their presence and applaud their quick instincts and good efforts in assisting with the safe rescue of these individuals as they jumped from the second-story window.”
A third person, Eileen Kushner, 75, also escaped from the burning house, according to the East Windsor Fire Department, and was safely outside when officers arrived.
However, it was not confirmed as of press time if she fled through the front door as Philadelphia ABC News reported earlier in the week. The news station said a neighbor, Mario Mastellone, assisted the two police officers who helped the Fallon couple. The Herald could not confirm this information as of press time.
Additionally, the news station reported Ms. Fallon gently threw two cats out the window before escaping the fire herself.
"I have no idea about the condition of the cats,” said Lt. Bernstein of the East Windsor Police Department on Wednesday.
The fire destroyed the residence in the upscale East Windsor neighborhood.
The cause and origin of the fire still are under investigation,” Chief Spain said.
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and No. 2 as well as fire companies from Hightstown, Robbinsville, Cranbury, Plainsboro, Monroe, Millstone, Princeton Junction and Princeton fought the blaze, police said.
It took approximately 30 minutes to contain the worst parts of the fire, according to Fire Chief Kevin Brink, of East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1. Smoldering “hot spots” continued to be extinguished by firefighters for more than an hour.
"We express our deep appreciation to our terrific dedicated East Windsor volunteer firefighters as well as our neighboring Hightstown volunteers and the other responding towns for all their great work in containing the blaze,” Mayor Mironov said.
East Windsor Rescue Squad District 1 and East Windsor Rescue Squad District 2 also responded, police said.
"While the fire undoubtedly was a traumatic event, we are so grateful that, most importantly, no one was injured,” Mayor Mironov said. “Certainly, it is one of those great stories that our East Windsor police officers on the scene could be so instrumental in helping the safe exit of two residents.”
There are videos posted online of the fire. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFbxB507BM and www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFbxB507BM to view the recordings.

