Neighbors pull woman from burning car with seconds to spare

A one-car accident on Route 7 near Kugeman Village in Cornwall sent a motorist to Danbury Hospital Saturday, March 29.
Alan Gawel, KVFD Fire Chief


A one-car accident on Route 7 near Kugeman Village in Cornwall sent a motorist to Danbury Hospital Saturday, March 29.
CORNWALL — Cornwall residents living near the scene of a roll-over car accident Saturday afternoon pulled a driver from a burning vehicle with only seconds to spare.
“Due to the heroic efforts — and I do mean heroic efforts — of the neighbors, the woman was pulled from the car with, by my estimate, 90 seconds to spare before the flames would have reached her,” said Kent Volunteer Fire Department Chief Alan Gawel. “I was the first to arrive on the scene from the fire side and when I got there, the vehicle was rolled over on its side and on fire. The driver was still trapped, and the citizens were using every ounce of energy to get her out.”
He explained that he had been on Carter Road in Kent, not far from the scene of the 3 p.m. accident at 257 Kent Road South (Route 7), near Kugeman Village in Cornwall Bridge. “The Cornwall assistant chief arrived seconds after I did.”
He said the car struck a utility pole and was surrounded by live wires. He reiterated the bravery of the citizen rescuers.
“There were live wires in the area, there was the car with gas and fluids around it and the fire itself. They used rocks to try to smash the glass to get in to her. One [rescuer] got a sledgehammer and was able to smash the back window and one went inside and had to break the seat to get her into the back and out through the window. As I got closer to the vehicle, they were able to carry her out from rear of the car.”
Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, who is also a firefighter, said rescuers came from all directions. “There was very little time to spare in what could have been a real tragedy,” he said. “What is remarkable is that the rescuers all were civilians and were making quick decisions as they worked together. It was a remarkable rescue. We’ve had other situations where things didn’t work out so well, but it was one those things where stars aligned just right. “
Once they had the woman out of the car, the rescuers carried her farther away from the burning vehicle. “They were moving her under my direction to minimize any further injuries but to get her to a safe location,” said Gawel. “I am so proud of the Cornwall community for their heroic efforts. This is where small towns can be so proud of their citizens, not only the volunteers for ambulance services, but neighbors helping neighbors.”

Ridgway said emergency responders were on the scene within minutes “but the neighbors were faster.” He said he wants to honor the rescuers, all of whose names he did not know as of Saturday night, at the upcoming selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, April 1. “We will find out who they are and honor them,” he said. “I’ve never done that before, but this is extraordinary.”
The victim was transported by Kent ambulance and Northern Dutchess Paramedic to Danbury Hospital. She had non-life-threatening injuries. LifeStar was summoned, with the plan to land at Kent Falls State Park, but was cancelled after the victim was evaluated.
Some of the citizen rescuers suffered minor injuries and one was transported to the hospital.
Cornwall, Kent, Warren and Goshen responded to the scene as well as officers from Troop B in Canaan. Gawel said Litchfield County Dispatch was extremely helpful in providing information on the call.
Emergency responders were on the scene for about four hours. Once Eversource made sure the power was shut down, the fire was extinguished. The scene was handed over to Connecticut Department of Transportation around 7 p.m. for continued traffic control and cleanup efforts.
Kathryn Boughton is the editor of Kent Dispatch.
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.
Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.
Anita is survived by her son Raymond Gochey and his fiancee’ Chris Filkins of Hinsdale, Massachusetts; and her daughter Michele O’Brien of Sharon. She is also survived by her sister Denise Warner of Torrington and her brother Arthur King of Danbury. Her three grandchildren, Kyle Gochey of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Cody O’Brien of Georgia, and Sabrina O’Brien of Falls Village. Anita was predeceased by her brother, Martin King.
A Celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Saturday June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
Lakeville Journal
SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.
A graduate of Brookfield High School, Susanne went on to work as a travel agent, a career perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit and love of discovering the world. She especially cherished her travels to Australia, London, and Hawaii, creating memories that she carried throughout her life.
Susanne had a lifelong passion for antiques and found joy in collecting and appreciating beautiful pieces filled with history and character. She was also deeply devoted to her beloved Boston Terriers, whom she lovingly raised and cared for over many years. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of the dogs she adored.
Above all else, Susanne treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Tayfun Berberoglu Sr.; her loving daughter, Jennifer; her son, Tayfun Berberoglu Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Faora and Sybella. Her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Susanne will be remembered for her caring nature, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal

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Lakeville Journal
SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Rafael to join them in remembering and celebrating his life.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.
Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.
During his youth Nick had a passion for the outdoors especially hunting and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime.
Nick served in the Korean war as a Marine. During his heroic service he received many medals and citations,most notably for saving his platoon even while sustaining injury himself during the famed Battle Of The Hook. Nick showed selfless dedication to serving the needs of others. He was involved with the Marine Corps League with whom he established a scholarship fund, the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW, providing durable medical equipment (and Girl scout cookies)to various VA homes and hospitals including Walter Reed in Washington. Nick also aided and assisted in other charitable causes not just limited to veterans, he served his community, for example, by providing thanksgiving dinners to needy local families.
Nicholas served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Canaan for 25 years.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, and his fiery disposition. He was a shameless flirt who competed with his pals on who would receive the most hugs at any social gathering. With his charm, he always won.
Nicholas is predeceased by five brothers and his longtime partner Marlene Strattman. He is also predeceased by his daughter, Karen Gandolfo.
Nicholas leaves behind his loving daughters and their partners, his grandchildren and their partners and his great grand children. He is also survived by his only remaining brother, Robert Gandolfo, with whom he greatly valued his love and support. Nick also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. In his words, he had a special relationship with nieces Melissa Gandolfo and Lynne Gandolfo.
The family wishes to thank Salisbury Visiting Nurses, the Winsted chapter of Veteran Affairs and Nicks longtime aide Robin Brazee Anstett.
Wake and burial services will be private, however our family welcomes you to a celebration of life on June 20,2026 at the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW between the hours of 12:00pm and 3:30pm
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to East Mountain House, PO Box 1405 Lakeville, Ct 06039
Nicholas spent his final days there surrounded not just by family but by an amazing team that provided exemplary care and support for which Nicks family is extremely grateful.

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