They put their lives on the line every day, keep the streets safe and ensure quality of life.
But two Boys in Blue became heroes this week, rushing to rescue a woman and her child from the fourth floor of a six-story burning building on Monday, January 12.
Sergeant Kevin Bischoff and Police Officer Johnny Bacerra of the 102nd Precinct responded to a call of a fire in progress just after noon.
Upon arriving at the scene at 84-70 129th Street in Kew Gardens, they asked the battalion chief how they could help, and were told to secure the perimeter. However, when they saw a woman in her late 30s on the fourth floor fire escape holding her two-year-old daughter – both scared and crying – they sprang into action.
Bischoff scaled a fence, pulled down the fire escape ladder, climbed up and grabbed the little girl, whom he handed down to Bacerra. They then helped the woman, who spoke no English, they said, to safety.
“It was like a split-second decision,” said Bischoff, who is the Youth Sergeant at the 102. “I just happened to look up and saw the woman.”
He told The Courier that during the rescue, he could actually feel the heat from the four-alarm blaze, which FDNY officials say was caused by a candle.
Bischoff, who has been on the force eight and a half years, also said his head was pounding and he was running on adrenaline.
“My heart was pounding because you don’t know what will happen,” he said.
The pair hadn’t even realized their act of bravery until they were told it had been captured on video.
“We basically did our job,” said Bacerra, a Youth Officer with five years on the job. “You don’t think of it until you start getting phone calls.”
“The police department and fire department always work well together to ensure the safety of New Yorkers,” said Frank Dwyer, FDNY spokesperson, who told The Courier that 39 units and 168 firefighters responded. Four firefighters and one civilian were taken to North Shore-LIJ with minor injuries.
Building residents say that this was not the first fire in the brick dwelling with over 100 units.
“We’re planning to move,” said Jose Colon as he stood outside, waiting to be allowed back into his apartment.
Department of Buildings (DOB) officials say they inspected the premises following the fire and deemed it structurally sound. Seven apartments – five on the first floor and two in the basement – have been evacuated.
Officials also say they have received no complaints and have issued no violations for fire hazards.
“We have not issued any violations relating to fire safety, but if residents have concerns they can call 3-1-1 or 9-1-1,” said Ryan Fitzgibbon, DOB spokesperson.
In the meantime, both Bacerra and Bischoff remain humble.
“I just love my job and I love coming to work,” said Bacerra. “I’m just doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
“I’m very proud,” said Captain Armando DeLeon, Commanding Officer of the 102nd Precinct, who noted that the pair’s act of bravery speaks to all the men and women of the 102. “We don’t think – we act. That’s some true heroism and courage.”
