Massachusetts police officer, good Samaritan, rush into burning home to rescue elderly woman

ROCKPORT — Police Chief John Horvath and Fire Chief Mark Wonson report that the Rockport Police and Fire Departments responded to a house fire on Wednesday night.

At just after 6:30 p.m., Rockport Police and Fire received a call about a house fire at 74 Phillips Ave. Rockport Police Sergeant Philip Wesley and Officer David LoConte were dispatched to the home.

Upon arrival, first responders saw large plumes of smoke from inside the home pouring out of the side door and flames coming through the upstairs window. A senior resident, who was outside the home, screamed to Officer LoConte that his wife was still inside.

Officer LoConte ran to his cruiser, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and entered the home through the side door. Once inside, the officer located a senior occupant in bed. A concerned passerby assisted Officer LoConte in lifting the woman into a chair and brought her outside.

Officer LoConte then placed the woman and her caregiver, who was already outside the home when he arrived, inside his cruiser until an ambulance arrived. The homeowner was placed in his car until EMS arrived.

The female resident and caregiver were transported via Rockport EMS ambulance to an area hospital for possible smoke inhalation. The male homeowner also was transported for treatment of his injuries. None of the injuries sustained were considered to be life threatening.

Officer LoConte was later transported to an area hospital as a precaution and was subsequently released.

Despite the frigid conditions, the fire was knocked down by 7:47 p.m. The home sustained extensive smoke and fire damage.

The Gloucester, Essex, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Departments, and Rehab 5 provided mutual aid at the scene. Beauport Ambulance, Rockport Forest Fire Department, Rockport Department of Public Works and National Grid also responded. Station coverage was provided by the Beverly, Hamilton, and Ipswich Fire Departments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rockport Police and Fire Departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.