Arlington Officer Receives Lifesaving Medal For Fire Rescue

The officer has already made a significant impact since joining the department two years ago.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 23, 2026 2:05 PM EDT

The Lifesaving Medal recognizes officers who perform extraordinary physical acts or provide lifesaving techniques to preserve a human life. (Amber Fisher/Patch)

ARLINGTON, MA — A police officer has been honored for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning home last year.

Officer Alex DiVito received the Lifesaving Medal at the Massachusetts Police Association convention, according to the Arlington Police Department. The convention took place Oct. 21 through Oct. 23 at Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis. The award recognizes officers who perform extraordinary physical acts or provide lifesaving techniques to preserve a human life.

DiVito and Officer Brian Koslowsky responded to a residence filled with heavy smoke at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2025. Several occupants had escaped and directed the officers toward the back of the home, where an elderly woman remained trapped inside. According to the department, DiVito entered the smoke-filled residence and safely brought her outside.

The pair previously received Departmental Certificates of Commendation from Chief Julianne Flaherty for their response. DiVito was also given the department's Police Life Saving Medal, as Patch reported in January.

"We are proud of Officer DiVito's courage, quick decision-making, and lifesaving actions, which reflect his dedication to protecting our community," the department said in a statement.

DiVito joined Arlington police in August 2024 after graduating from the Municipal Police Training Committee's Lynnfield Police Academy that July. He attended Arlington schools and received his bachelor's degree from Rivier University.

The officer was also named the Rotary Club of Arlington's 2026 Community Person of the Year. He was also one of the honorees for the club's annual awards banquet that took place earlier this week.