Boston police officer honored for heroism

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BOSTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- A Boston police officer was honored for leaping into the cold waters of Boston Harbor to rescue a woman who had fallen or jumped in.

Officer Edward T. Norton received a commendation from Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis and a proclamation from Mayor Thomas M. Menino Monday afternoon, the Boston Globe reported.

Norton leaped over a barrier Friday to rescue the woman, diving into 40 degree water with a life preserver and swimming to her aid, and holding her above water until three firefighters dove in to assist her to a rescue ladder, the newspaper said.

"It's really a remarkable show of heroism, immediate action and courage that made a difference," Davis said at a press conference Monday. "There's a family out there right now that's going to have a good Christmas because of the acts of officer Norton."

Norton and the unidentified woman were hospitalized for hypothermia, and the firefighters were also hospitalized, Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said, adding the woman either fell or jumped into the water.