A police officer died attempting to save her 6-year-old daughter from their burning house in Hazlet.
The Montanaro family of four was awakened at midnight on Saturday morning by the sound of fire alarms and smoke.
William Montanaro was the first person to notice that the fire was already spreading throughout the house.
He frantically raced to find his wife, Jacqueline, their two kids, Elena, 8, and Madelyn, 6, as well as their dog, to assist in bringing them outdoors to a place of safety.
Madelyn remained inside the house as he, Jacqueline, and Elena battled their way out. The smoke completely covered the home in a matter of seconds. It was completely obscured from view.
Saving her 8-year-old daughter
Madelyn's parents dashed back inside as quickly as possible to get her. Unfortunately, the police officer and their youngest child sustained severe injuries from the burning house.
William Montanaro issued a statement through his brother, Domenico Montanaro, a reporter for NPR.
According to New Jersey Local News, William Montanaro was engulfed in tremendous black smoke when he raced back into the home for Madelyn.
However, his wife persistently plunged into the fire, attempting to save their daughter with the love of a mother and the bravery of a police officer fueling her desire to do so.
William forced his way back outdoors despite the thick cloud of smoke that surrounded them, but Jacqueline and Madelyn were hurt.
Both victims initially made it through the fire alive. They were sent to the hospital for treatment, where they remained in serious condition until they both passed away due to their injuries.
Jacqueline Montanaro, the couple's wife, is employed by United States Customs and Border Protection at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The cause of fire
William Montanaro and Elena survived. According to Fox News, it is unknown what caused the fire, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office has stated that the event is being investigated.
In his statement, William explained that his priority is ensuring that his surviving daughter has the love and assistance she will require for them to reconstruct their lives again.
In addition to that, he mentioned that the family's dog had not been found. Mr. Montanaro said that an organization named Hound Hunters was helping him look for their Goldendoodle.
According to the App, Customs United Service Alliance and NTEU 161 set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help the bereaved loved ones of Jacqueline Montanaro, and it has so far raised more than $200,000.
In addition, William is collecting contributions for the Alumni Disaster Fund of the Monmouth County Council of the Boy Scouts, which will help the family meet their needs.
Since the fire broke out at the family's house on Brookside Avenue, there has been an outpouring of sympathy and support for William Montanaro and the couple's surviving daughter, Elena.
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