Boston honors policeman for heroic water rescue

A police officer jumped into the frigid waters of Fort Point Channel in Boston, to rescue a woman on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. / WBZ

BOSTON A police officer will be commended for his heroic actions after he jumped into frigid waters to rescue a woman crying for help.

On Monday, Officer Ed Norton will be presented with a commendation from the department, reports CBS Station WBZ.

At about 12:44 p.m. on Friday, police responded to a call about a woman in Fort Point Channel near the Summer Street Bridge. According to witnesses, the victim may have jumped or fallen into the water and was screaming for help.

A police officer jumped into the frigid waters of Fort Point Channel in Boston, to rescue a woman on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

/ WBZ

"I heard everybody screaming, 'She's in the water, she's in the water,'" witness Keith Young told CBS Station WBZ. He saw the officer throw his cruiser into park, rip his jacket and safety belt off and take the plunge.

"He didn't think twice," said Young.

Norton was thrown a life ring which he quickly put around the woman before they both swam to a nearby raft, about 50 feet from shore.

Two Boston Firefighters jumped in to assist.

With the help of a State Police boat they pulled the woman to safety, to the cheers of a crowd of onlookers.

Officer Norton and the woman suffered from hypothermia and were taken to Mass. General for treatment. The Boston firefighters - also suffering from hypothermia - were transported to Tufts Medical Center for treatment.

WBZ reports that Norton lost his wedding ring in the rescue.

[concerned4all]

thank you Mr. Norton for your selfless act may you have a very merry christmass and a very happy new year

[rwsmith29456]

That man stood a very good chance of drowning or freezing himself. Wow.

[PourpaixPourpaix]

What????? A hero who didn't use a gun???? Surely nobody believes such nonsense! Well, the hero was a cop, who presumably was packing a weapon. See, only those who are armed can be heroes.

Devoted NRA Member

[rwsmith29456]

Boy, you sure can string together unrelated comments.

[pitai]

I wish them a very warm Christmas with family & friends. Kudos.

[saturn05]

This is a true hero. Bravo to him and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[AndrewinFargo]

nice job of putting religion in an issue that has nothing to do with it. I am an athiest and practice ethical behavior.

[Ulgnud]

When you write the article you can write it the way you want.

[linfinster]

lolol good point Ulgnud

[joesapper]

A witness said that without any hesitation the cop was over the railing in a moment as the screams for help came from the woman , now Folks understand that the cop has over 20 pounds of gear on him , and he had no clue as to the current and temperature of the water , and the cop had no clue as to what was sticking up out of the bottom of the water .

So Bravery or stupidity ? , well more than courage and bravery and duty was the force behind this act , actions like this have more to do with core values based in the best place Humanity has , and that is in the heart , and this is another reflection as to why we are practicing our faith in a Saviour that is reason for the season of Christmass.

[Ulgnud]

Our thanks to the good officer and the firefighters who helped. I hope they recover from the cold plunge.