Officer Reunites With Family Of 4 He Rescued From W. Babylon Fire

WEST BABYLON, NY — The new year was a rough start for a West Babylon family who lost their home and dog in a fire on New Year's Eve. However, they also were grateful that they were saved from further tragedy thanks to the heroism of a Suffolk County Police officer who help the family of four evacuate the burning home.

During routine patrol in the early morning hours on Dec. 31, officer Avital Donnenfeld saw smoke coming from the Ecker Avenue home and went in to wake resident Theresa Hoffman to inform her of the blaze. She was then able to alert her husband, Jason, who was in the shower at the time. The Hoffmans and Donnenfeld then helped the couple's two sons, ages 6 and 12, to evacuate the home. All four escaped with no injuries but the family's dog, a 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Riley, died in the fire.

Earlier this week, the family was reunited with Donnenfeld during a press conference honor the officer. During the event, Theresa mentioned that during the rescue, Donnenfeld said to her "ma'am, just come out of the house, just follow my light, I won't let you fall."

Donnenfeld also recalled the day and his act of heroism during the fire.

"Equipment or not, if there is a child, an adult or a human life inside, I'm not going to stop until I find that person, and bring them out," he said.

The family expressed their gratitude towards the officer for his life-saving actions.

"He went into the danger where most people are trying to run away," Theresa said.