Police Officers Praised For 'Extraordinary' Fire Rescue In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —Two police officers who rescued a 97-year-old borough resident from his burning home Thanksgiving morning will be honored for their heroism at a Borough Council meeting next month.

Sgt. Aaron Simon and Police Officer Robert McMahon, who rushed into the Fairview Avenue home and performed the rescue, will be recognized at the council's Dec. 18 meeting, Police Chief James Gardner said.

But they were already receiving heaps of praise from officials at Monday's council meeting.

"That fire rescue was on my street," Mayor Tim Schultz said. "It was a fast response and a life saved. I salute you for your dedication and professionalism."

Council President George Bollendorf echoed the mayor's sentiments, stating that the officers "had an instinct to willingly risk their lives for someone else."

"It was an extraordinary rescue," Gardner said. "They made a decision on the fly. It was quite impressive. This could have turned out very differently."

Watch the body cam video obtained by Action News 6.

The chief said the family of the rescued man is also expected to be in attendance when the officers are honored.

The Enterprise Fire company was assisted in their firefighting efforts by numerous local fire companies including Warminster, Horsham, Warrington, Upper Moreland, Bryn Athyn, Willow Grove, Hartsville, Abington, Wissahickon and Ft. Washington. Enterprise Fire Chief Alfred Zollers reported the fire under control at 4:02 a.m., police said.

Fire Marshal Kate Valesky said the fire, which is under investigation, was contained to a rear bedroom. She said the home had no working smoke detector.

Valesky said she met with the family on Monday.

"They were grateful to be able to have Thanksgiving," she said.