Monday, May 19, 2025
Fifteen residents were rescued from a burning apartment building at 68 Glen Cove Ave. early Thursday morning, after a Glen Cove police officer on routine patrol spotted smoke billowing from the structure.
According to Det. Lt. John Nagle, Officer Pedraita noticed the fire at approximately 3:38 a.m. and, along with officer Vezza, immediately forced entry into the building. The officers alerted residents and began evacuations while notifying the fire department.
“15 people were taken out of the building,” Nagle said. “5 had to be physically removed from a second-floor window by the fire department using a hook and ladder due to heavy smoke conditions.”
Three occupants were led down an interior staircase by a firefighter and a police officer, while four others were helped from the first floor by fire crews, said First Assistant Fire Chief Justin Valeo.
Substantial damage to the roof was reported, and all 15 residents have been displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting them with temporary housing arrangements.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck expressed gratitude for the emergency response.
“We’re just very thankful that everyone was okay,” she said. “The police and the firemen were absolutely wonderful. Multiple fire departments — Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing, Locust Valley, East Norwich, Bayville, and Oyster Bay — responded. When something terrible happens, we get help from our neighboring communities. Thankfully, the quick actions by the Glen Cove Police and Fire Department prevented anyone from being seriously injured as a result of this quick moving fire."
The building housed seven apartments.
