Former New Jersey Firefighter Dies After Week in Coma Resulting from Rescue Attempt

SOUTH RIVER: Paul Kern, a borough resident who suffered a massive heart attack while trying to rescue three neighborhood girls from a house fire, has died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

The 46-year-old man was among the first to arrive at the burning Maple Avenue home on the evening of July 10. A former lieutenant for Engine Company 3 of the South Old Bridge Fire Department, Kern attempted to rescue Kellie, Kristin and Heather Collazo, who were trapped on the second floor.

Kern -- who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure -- collapsed after the rescue attempt, and lapsed into a weeklong coma that ended Saturday. Doctors had advised him against any rigorous activity, as the condition prevented his heart from pumping enough blood to the body's other organs. Those who know Kern have said they consider him a hero.

Neighbors brought ladders to the scene to assist the rescue. Police officers Joe Guiamano and Joseph Castellano climbed to the second floor, broke through the window screens and pulled the girls to safety.

The fire began in a back laundry room and is not considered suspicious.

Kern's wife, Elizabeth, declined to comment about her husband's acts.

Born in Taylor, Pa., Kern graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in Old Bridge and moved to South River a decade ago. A technician at Open Road Mazda in Edison, he also worked as a mechanic at Loman Ford in Woodbridge.