WEBSTER, Mass. - Four Webster police officers were recognized Monday for their efforts saving a woman from a burning home.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. awarded Sgt. Robert Larochelle and Officers Jacek Ochocki, Jonathan Brooks and Robert Rockwood the "TEAM Award" for their actions to help Donna Duvall during a house fire in May 2021.

Duvall's husband, who tried to rescue their pets from the home, died in the fire. Early Jr. said without the actions of the officers, another life could have been lost.

"Under intense pressure, these officers were able to identify someone in need, the location of the person and instinctively reacted to save a life," Early Jr. said. For Officer Ochocki, this is the second time our officers are giving this honor. Both times, Officer Ochocki was involved in helping people escape from a burning building, the other time being in March of 2021 on Robinson Street in Webster. 

"His actions, along with his colleagues, show how much these officers care for the people in Webster and care for everyone in their town."

Duvall stressed the need for people to be cautious while disposing of smoking materials. Fire investigators said the cause of the fire will officially remain undetermined, but noted there was evidence of smoking materials and common combustibles in the area where the fire started.