By George P. Hassett

On Dec. 6, an aggressive fire destroyed the home at 9-11 Harvard Place. It could have destroyed more and possibly taken lives were it not for the heroic actions of three Somerville police officers and two Somerville firefighters.

With the home in flames, Somerville police officers Alex Capobianco, Derrick Dottin and Steven St. Hillaire arrived on scene. As they tried to gain access into the house they could hear voices coming from inside. Capobianco and Dottin entered the home but could not see through the smoke.

Navigating their way around corners and down hallways in darkness they finally felt Bryan Thibeault and Elaine Thibeault laying on the floor passed out. Capobianco, Dottin and firefighter Sylvester Moore carried the two out to safety with the help of St. Hillaire and Fire Lieutenant Mark Wall.

On Thursday, the Thibeault’s and city officials publicly thanked the police officers and firefighters for their heroic actions in front of a standing room only crowd inside City Hall’s Aldermanic Chambers. The police officers were awarded medals of honor from Captain Mike Devereaux.

When Dottin embraced Elaine Thibeault the audience stood and applauded with enthusiasm.

At the podium her son, Bryan, also thanked the officers and firefighters who saved his and his mother’s life. ‚ÄúI’m just so grateful,‚Äù he said.