Tooper First Class David Hare is back in the heroic limelight.
The trooper was honored Thursday by the American Red Coss Connecticut Region, when it presented him with the Law Enforcement award in the 2011 Community Heroes of Western Connecticut awards.
First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers nominated Hare, and presented him at the event, together with Wells Fargo.
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‘‘I’m extremely proud of Trooper Hare,” Drayton-Rogers said in a press statement, and noted his humility in the acceptance of the much deserved award.
Hare was cited for his bravery and speedy action for a Jan. 31 2010 incident in which he helped save the life of a homeowner and prevented a possible catastrophic explosion.
He had already been nominated by his department as Officer of the Year for the action.
According to Resident State Trooper Sgt. Daniel Semosky, smoke was billowing from the home at 46 Oakcrest Road in Oxford. State police troopers Hare and Cory Genetski rushed in and found the homeowner in the basement, spraying a small fire extinguisher toward flames. As the troopers helped the man get out of the home, Hare turned and saw a 20-pound propane tank.
Though flames shot through the air, and the propane tank was leaking, Hare picked up the tank and threw it outside the basement into the snowy backyard to prevent an explosion.
“The quick response and timely actions of TFC David Hare and TFC Cory Genetski which were at great personal risk to their own safety and were instrumental in saving the lives of the homeowners and were in the highest tradition of the Connecticut State Police,” Semosky said in his recommendation letter.
The homeowner, Stephen Ugolik, suffered burns to his face and hands, according to the fire marshal’s report on the fire.
