On December 19, 2017, at approximately 2320 hours police and firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Colony Street. It was also reported that a disabled person was trapped in the house. Shortly after, Officers Conor Hogan, Vincenzo Infante, & Seth Petzing arrived at the scene. It was a working fire and a female victim was trapped inside yelling for help. Hogan forced open the rear door of the home and the three officers entered. The home was filled with heavy black smoke and fire. The victim was in the kitchen and could not get out of the house without physical assistance. Hogan grabbed the victim and began to drag her toward the rear door. However, he was overcome by smoke and retreated for fresh air. Infante took over and continued to pull the victim to safety. He was also overcome by smoke and retreated for fresh air. Petzing took over and continued to pull the victim toward the exit. Like the previous officers, he was also overcome by smoke. To assure a successful rescue, the officers formed a “bucket brigade.” While maintaining their personal safety, the three officers took turns pulling the victim toward safety. Working together, the officers were finally able to pull the victim to the rear door but could not get her physically out of the house. The house was cluttered with debris and navigating through the house was very difficult. Nonetheless, the officers managed to get the victim to the rear door and she was moved out of harm’s way. At this point, a firefighter entered the home and was able to physically get her out of the house to safety. The victim, a 53-year-old female was severely burned and transported to a burn center in critical condition. Hogan and Infante were treated for smoke inhalation and both fully recovered. The actions of the officers and firefighter saved the victim from certain death. Therefore, Officers Hogan, Infante, and Petzing were awarded the Lifesaving Commendation for their actions. Pictured from left: Chief Gould, Officers Petzing, Infante and Hogan.