Security Guard Initiated Rescue Of Shadow Lawn Fire Victim

Keith Thornton, 31, of Asbury Park, a Security Officer employed by Marion Security of Red Bank, is credited with initiating the rescue of the 88 year old woman trapped in her burning Shadow Lake Village home on Saturday night, according to an updated press release by Detective Lt. Paul Bailey of the Middletown Township Police Department.

Family and friends of the fire victims have identified them as George and Gladys Bowden in a gofundme page. 

Thornton responded to the fire while working security at Shadow Lawn Village,  55 and over age restricted community in Middletown. Upon arriving at the fire at 54 Friendship Court, George, 91,was outside the home and told Thorton that Gladys,88 was still in the home.  Thorton entered the home, located Gladys on the kitchen floor and started moving her toward the door when he was overcome by smoke and evacuated to get air.

Thornton informed Patrolman Nicholas Manochio, who had arrived at the scene, of Glady’s location in the burning home.  Manochio entered the fire and completed the rescue.

The Bowdens were transported to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank where they were treated for smoke inhalation. Gladys was transferred to Saint Barnabas Medical Center for additional treatment, according to Detective Lt. Bailey.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to the fire is asked to contact Detective First Class Albert Scott at (732) 615-2120.

Thronton and Manochio will be recognized tonight by Mayor Kevin Settembrino and the Middletown Township Committee tonight with a Life Saving Award at tonight’s Township Committee meeting at 8:00p.m. at Town Hall, located at 1 Kings Hwy.