Police Officer Helps Elderly Woman Escape House Fire In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden police officer is being credited with saving the life of a 95-year-old woman during a house fire Monday afternoon in Hamden.

While driving home from an extra-duty assignment, Sgt. Jason Venditto heard a 911 call come in for a house fire, near his location, according to police. He was the first to arrive and found the house, located at 240 Russo Drive, actively burning.

“He ran to the house to check for occupants,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “He found an elderly woman still inside the home. He helped her escape without either being seriously injury. We at the Hamden PD could not be prouder of his actions. Our hearts go out to the family who lost their home. It’s devastating and incredibly emotional to lose your home to fire. We wish the family the best, as they move through this difficult time.

“It’s also a great reminder, as we move into fall, change the batteries in your smoke detectors. It could save your life, or the lives of someone you love.”

Hamden Fire Chief Gary Merwede said that there is “absolutely no doubt” in his mind that Venditto saved the woman’s life.

“Great stop by our firefighters, fire contained to the room of origin,” Merwede wrote in a post on Twitter.