By: Richard L. Smith
What began as a routine search for a stolen vehicle turned into a dramatic rescue when two Summit Police detectives found themselves at the scene of a burning home in Newark’s South Ward.
According to information released by the Summit Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:58 p.m. on Friday, August 29.
Detective Sergeant Ruddy Garita and Detective Darin Sliker were canvassing South 19th Street for a BMW reported stolen out of Summit the previous day when they spotted heavy smoke billowing from the second story of a residence.
As they approached, a man fleeing the home shouted that people were still inside.
From a rear window, a woman and child could be heard crying for help. Without hesitation, Det. Sgt. Garita rushed across the street, grabbed a contractor’s ladder, scaled it, and carried the toddler to safety through the smoke-filled window.
Meanwhile, Det. Sliker joined Newark Police officers in forcing their way through the front entrance.
Battling thick smoke, they pushed upstairs, breached a locked room, and searched for any remaining occupants before confirming that everyone had safely escaped.
Summit Police Chief Ryan Peters praised the officers’ swift actions, saying, “The actions of Det. Sgt. Garita and Det. Sliker were nothing short of heroic. Their courage, swift decision-making, and unwavering dedication to preserving life under extreme pressure reflect the highest standards of law enforcement. Without regard for their personal safety, they relied on their training, instincts, and commitment to duty to perform life-saving measures in a rapidly deteriorating and dangerous environment.”
This is not the first time Detective Sliker has been credited with saving a life.
In July, he received a lifesaving award from the Summit Police Department for performing CPR on a man struck by a vehicle while off-duty in another city. His actions revived the individual, who later recovered in the hospital.
The Summit Police Department noted that the Newark incident highlights the unwavering dedication of its officers, not just to their assigned duties, but to protecting life whenever called upon.