Technical rescue brings two women to safety after nearly three-hour emergency response
Atlantic City firefighters carried out a high-rise elevator rescue Thursday evening at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, safely extracting two women in a challenging operation that demanded courage, technical precision and extraordinary teamwork.
Dispatched at approximately 5:23 p.m. on Oct. 22, crews confronted an elevator entrapment in a blind shaft that required specialized rope systems and a coordinated vertical extraction. Under the overall leadership of Deputy Chief Duane Brock, members of Rescue 1, Ladder 1, and Engine 2 worked together to bring both women to safety.
Captain Jeffrey Jenkins led critical aspects of the rescue, securing and coordinating the operation. Firefighters Anthony Phillips and Brian Berrio made an approximately 190-foot descent into the shaft to reach the women and assist with their extraction. Crews secured and hoisted the occupants to safety one at a time.
The second woman was rescued at approximately 8:19 p.m., and the final firefighter exited the shaft at 8:22 p.m., concluding a nearly three-hour response.
“Rappelling 200 feet down an open, blind elevator shaft is one of the most demanding scenarios a firefighter can face. It requires absolute trust in your training and your gear. Our Special Operations team executed this high-angle rope rescue flawlessly, moving methodically to secure the occupants and hoist them to safety. This incident highlights exactly why the Atlantic City Fire Department trains so heavily for specialized high-rise emergencies. Our crews did an outstanding job, and we are thankful for a safe resolution with zero injuries,” said Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans.
The Atlantic City Fire Department commends Captain Jenkins, firefighters Phillips and Berrio, Deputy Chief Brock, and every responding member. Their decisive action reflects the skill, bravery, and unwavering commitment ACFD personnel bring to protecting residents and visitors every day.
