Get our free mobile app Middletown Police said they arrived around 7:54 pm followed by Middletown Township Fire Fighters who battled the flames that engulfed the entire home. Middletown Firefighters said a neighbor told them that they felt someone may still be inside which is when search and rescue teams looked within the residence and then found John Dowd deceased inside the home. Middletown Township Fire Department Fire Chief John Friedman called the fire at 8:25 pm and all units, including 45 firefighters from 3 companies, were cleared by 10:15 pm. No firefighter injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Marshal, Monmouth County Fire Marshal, Middletown Police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.