Webster Officers Rushed Into Burning Home To Save Elderly Woman
WEBSTER (CBS) – Three Webster police officers were recognized after rushing into a burning building on Monday and pulling an elderly woman inside to safety.
Officers Spencer Donovan, Rob Larochelle and James Young Sr. arrived at a burning Granite Street home Monday afternoon before firefighters could respond.
When they learned there was an elderly woman trapped on the first floor, the three ran through the thick smoke to reach the woman and carry her outside.
"Everyone says (we're) 'heroes.' I don't like to use that word. I think everybody in this police department would've done the exact thing," Donovan said.
The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.
On Wednesday, each of the officers was given a commendation for their efforts.
Larochelle recalled the dangerous rescue.
"As soon as I opened (the door) I got hit with smoke and heat, and I dropped to the ground," Larochelle said.
Young added that the officers didn't hesitate, they simply acted.
"I don't have any other way to explain it. You don't think about it. You just go in," Young said.
Larochelle, meanwhile, said there was never a thought about the dangers the officers faced running into the burning building.
"Didn't put much thought into that really. Probably a good thing I didn't," Larochelle said.