Two police officers hurt pulling man from burning Fitchburg home

Flames shoot from 78 Holman St. in Fitchburg on Saturday morning as firefighters battle the blaze. (TIMOTHY SHEA PHOTO)

FITCHBURG -- A Holman Street homeowner is in critical condition in a Worcester hospital after he was pulled from his burning home by two Fitchburg police officers Saturday morning, fire officials said.

John R. Saulnier was transported directly to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester and is in critical condition, according to fire personnel.

Police Officers Todd Deacon and Michael Sevigny were transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster for what appears to be smoke inhalation after helping rescue Saulnier from a window of the home at 78 Holman St.

Deputy Chief Kevin Curran said when the fire was reported, the two officers were some of the first officers on the scene and helped pull the occupant out of the window.

Police Sgt. Chuck Siomos said the two officers suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Both police officers were treated and released.

A dog living in the home perished in the blaze, according to Curran, and the city annimal control officer was called to the scene.

It appears the homeowner went back inside the home to rescue the dog, according to fire personnel.

Fire Captain Brian Murchie estimated the total damage of the home, including contents, at $225,000.

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Two police officers hurt pulling man from burning Fitchburg home