A Suffolk County Police Second Precinct officer and a Kings Park Good Samaritan are being praised for rescuing an elderly disabled woman from a house fire, yesterday afternoon. Kings Park resident, Joseph Cartelli had been called to the home of Helen Morris to repair heating when he noticed something was wrong. Cartelli began by inspecting the basement first. Upon arriving at the first floor, he noticed a haze in the atmosphere and quickly ran upstairs to the bedroom. He noticed the bed was engulfed in flames and immediately rushed to help Morris.
At approximately 4:45, Second Precinct Police Officer Matthew Funaro was the first to arrive on the scene. Officer Funaro described heavy smoke and flames emanating from the second floor, when he arrived at the top of stairs, which lead down to the home entryway. Officer Funaro entered the smoke filled home through a sliding door on the first floor. Cartelli and Officer Funaro carried Helen Morris, who was in her wheelchair, outside to the deck as far away from the home as possible. Helen Morris’ son and her nurses aid were assisted outdoors and unharmed.
Firefighters from Northport and Eaton’s Neck Fire Departments responded to the scene shortly after. They transported Morris up the steep walkway, to safety and quickly began extinguishing the fire. Helen Morris was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities declared the bravery of Officer Matthew Funaro and good Samaritan Joseph Cartelli responsible for saving Helen Morris’ life.
Arson Section detectives are continuing an investigation into the cause of the fire.