Heroes Save Women Trapped Inside Burning Car; Mother Saves Her Family; Puppy Lost at Sea Found, Returned to Family

We wanted to highlight some of the most inspirational stories featured across the Connecticut Patch sites and here is a list of some of the top heartwarming stories from 2016.

• 3 Heroes Save 2 Women Trapped Inside a Burning Car

The three strangers stopped their cars and battled through the flames to rescue the women. Now one of the heroes is seeking a reunion.>>>Read More.

• Mother Swims More than 2 Hours to Shore After Family Nearly Drowns

With her husband and young kids facing the possibility of drowning, a mother swam to shore for help. >>>Read More.

• Puppy Lost at Sea Found in Connecticut, Returned to Family

The family had presumed the dog could not swim and had drowned. >>>Read More.

• Youth Football Player Scores One for Ill Mom [VIDEO]

The child, 8, scored on a 40-yard touchdown run and the special part of the moment was that his run was dedicated to his mother, Jennifer, who successfully beat breast cancer, only to be recently diagnosed with leukemia.>>>Read More.

• Youth Football Team Rallies for Teammate with Down Syndrome

Willi Wilson scored a touchdown with a little help from the eighth-grade football teams. Click to see the video.>>>Read More.

• Police Officer's Act of Kindness Stands Out

After a woman was involved in an accident, the police officer made sure the woman and her groceries made it home safely. Check out the photos.>>>Read More.

• Former Sports Standout Beats Death, Now Inspiring Others [VIDEO]

His incredible story was recently chronicled in a video produced by Eastern Connecticut State University.>>>Read More.

• Burglar Steals Christmas, Police Officer Saves it for 3-Year Old

A police officer stepped in to help after a mother reported her daughter’s presents stolen from under their tree. >>>Read More.

• Mom Donates Kidney to her Son

His mother didn't think twice about giving up her kidney so her son could lead a normal life.>>>Read More.

• Dog Diagnosed with Cancer to Receive Medical Attention: UPDATE

After seeing Kelsey’s story, two organizations are working together in an effort to save the Cocker Spaniel’s life.>>>Read More.

• Connecticut Resident Who Saved Man from Fiery Tanker Truck Crash Honored with Carnegie Medal

The man, who rescued a resident from the fiery crash on I-91, was awarded a Carnegie Medal for Extraordinary Civilian Heroism.>>>Read More.

• Teen, 13, Comes to the Rescue of 66-Year-Old Woman: Police

While on the bus on his way home from school, the boy saw that the woman was bleeding profusely while lying on the sidewalk, police said.>>>Read More.

• Dec. 7 — It's About Pearl Harbor, The Pacific Theater and a Birthday for World War II Veteran

The seventh the day of December has extra meaning to World War II veteran Angelo "Bob" Galiette above and beyond being Pearl Harbor Day. It represents a defining moment in his life, but it also happens to be his birthday.>>>Read More.

• Looking Back at 40+ Years of Fermi Hockey

Two state championships and numerous league titles have contributed to the legacy of the program since its inception in 1973.

• Police Officer's Act of Kindness Takes Off on Social Media

A city resident captured the feel good moment and it’s already generated more than 1,000 Facebook likes in a few hours.>>>Read More.

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Photo credit: Naugatuck Police Department