Boston honors policeman for heroic water rescue

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.

"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.