NJDOC Officer Saves Motorist Trapped in Car Fire, Then Heads to Work

A New Jersey Department of Corrections sergeant on his way to work assisted a motorist trapped in his car after an accident early Thursday. 

On Dec. 8, at about 5 a.m., Sgt. John Alloway was driving on 295 Southbound on his way to work at South Woods State Prison when he observed a car flipped onto its side near Exit 43. Sgt. Alloway activated his emergency lights to control the flow of traffic on the ramp and pulled over to render assistance. 

Sgt. Alloway then observed a male driver stuck in the vehicle, which was on fire. A passerby had called 911. Sgt. Alloway retrieved a fire extinguisher from his vehicle, then doused the fire. The driver of the car was observed to be conscious and alert. 

Sgt. Alloway was able to pry open the drivers’ side door and removed the occupant, assisting him to safety. Emergency services and the New Jersey State Police arrived, took Sgt. Alloway’s information and took over response at the scene. 

Sgt. Alloway, a 14-year NJDOC veteran, then proceeded to South Woods State Prison where he held a COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic. 

“We’re proud of and grateful for Sgt. Alloway’s actions in this situation,” Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn said. “Without hesitation, this valued NJDOC sergeant placed himself in harm’s way to help and to be of service to the public. His dedication and his actions are the embodiment of the spirit of NJDOC.”