BPD officer credited with saving people from Dorchester fire

BOSTON — A Boston Police Officer is being recognized for his quick actions that saved several lives during a house fire.

Officer Luis Lopez was the first on scene of the fire at 8 Montello St. in Dorchester Saturday night.

“You could see the flames and it didn’t look good. As soon as I exited my cruiser, people started pointing to the building and yelling that there were still people inside," he said.

Lopez, a 12 year veteran of the Boston Police Department, jumped into action.

"I immediately entered the building and started knocking on doors, kicking doors in and ordering people to evacuate the building," said Lopez.

Because of Lopez, only material possessions were lost and no lives.

“I’m just happy everybody got out alive. One guy was sound asleep when I kicked in his door. I know I startled him but I’m just glad we got him out," he said.

The estimated damage to the triple decker is at $500,000.

According to fire officials, the fire displaced 18 people, including four children.

Cox Media Group