November 4, 2009 Lynn police officers hailed as heroes after fire rescue Play video

(NECN: John Moroney, Lynn, Mass.) - Many are calling them heroes, but three Lynn, Massachusetts police officers say they were just doing their jobs. The officers ran into a burning home Tuesday night, saving several people from the flames.

Firefighters say the officers were the first to the scene of the fire on Clinton Street. When they arrived they learned a man was still inside. Firefighters say getting to the victim wasn't easy.

Lt. Dave Legere: "They were hoarders. They hoarded everything, there was more stuff in that house than I've ever seen in any house in my life. The Lynn police did an incredible job going up over this debris on the front stairs, in the hallway, finding the victim, getting the front door open and bringing him out over the same debris."

The officers and four other people suffered from smoke inhalation and required hospitalization. The victim is in serious condition at Mass General Hospital. His identity has not been released.

Investigators believe the fire started on the rear porch because they found many appliances and extension cords there.