Parole Officer Honored for Saving Elderly Woman in Hazelhurst fire

Ferndale and its police department honored Matthew Roznowski with a Life Saving Award for rescuing a .

“We would actually like to give him the same award that we would give an active duty officer,” said Ferndale Police Chief Tim Collins. “That is because it was an outstanding job he did.” The Life Saving award is usually given to active officers. Typically, a resident receives a Citizen’s Award.

Roznowski, a Michigan Department of Correction parole officer, went to the woman's home in the 700 block of Hazelhurst to check  her 51-year-old son who is on parole.

Roznowski repeatedly knocked on the door. When the woman finally answered, he saw a fire in the house.

Collins said the woman was disoriented and had been trying to put the fire out with a mop, which was burning. He convinced her to get onto the porch where he called 911. He stayed with her while the fire department extinguished the blaze.

Ferndale Fire Marshal Brian Batten said the fire was a result of a cigarette dropped by the son who had left for a job interview. He said that if Roznowski hadn't been persistent, the woman could have suffered serious injury or death. No one was injured.

Batten said the fire was quickly extinguished. Damage was estimated at $35,000.

“Long story short, this gentleman here saved a human life and we believe that deserves a great deal of recognition by the community,” said Collins.

"My girlfriend won't agree with me but I'm kind of at a loss for words," Roznowski said after receiving the award. "I'm honored to work for the Michigan Department of Corrections, which gives me the daily opportunity to help serve and protect the citizens of Oakland County."