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"Hero" Police Officer Saves Woman From Frigid Waters In Boston

BOSTON (CBS) - A Boston police officer is being hailed a hero after jumping into the frigid waters of the Fort Point Channel in Boston to rescue a woman who was crying for help.

"I heard everybody screaming she's in the water, she's in the water," said witness Keith Young, a UPS delivery driver who had just pulled up to the Summer Street bridge. He saw the officer throw his cruiser into park, rip his jacket and safety belt off and take the plunge. "He didn't think twice," said Young.

The officer was thrown a life ring which he quickly put around the woman before they both swam to a nearby raft about 50 feet from shore. With the help of a State Police boat, and three Boston firefighters, they pulled the woman to safety to the cheers of an onlooking crowd.

A source tells WBZ-TV that the officer's name who jumped in the water is Ed Norton.

"She was conscious and crying hysterically. I saw bruises on her knees, arms and so forth," said Young of the woman he described to be in her-mid 30's.

It's unclear how she ended up in the water. Along with the officer and firefighters, she was transported to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia, but is expected to recover.

"He's a modern day hero to me," said Young.

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