A trio of firefighters and a police officer rescued two people from a Lansford house fire last month, earning them honors from American Fire Co. No. 1.

On Monday, firefighters Mark Kosica, Zachary Gilbert, Casey Walck and police officer Matthew Houser received medals for their quick, selfless actions on the night of Dec. 10 during a house fire on the 100 block of West Water Street.

The four men rushed into the smoke-filled home and rescued two older adults without regard for their own personal safety, American Fire Co. No. 1 chief Joseph Greco said. While the fire was ultimately contained to the home’s kitchen, it still posed a threat due to the significant amount of smoke.

“Not knowing where the location of the fire was, what the extent of the fire was, or how big it was, you guys still went in and did what you were trained to do. For that I’m very proud of everybody,” Greco said.

On the night of the fire, the firefighters had been taking part in training at the fire station and jumped in the department’s ladder truck. Kosica, the department’s chief engineer, was behind the wheel while Gilbert and Walck were putting on air packs, getting ready to enter the building.

When they arrived, Kosica had to decide quickly whether to do his regular job and find a water supply, or help Houser, who was already inside helping a man out. He decided the rescue was the priority.

“If you lose two buildings, they can be rebuilt, but if you lose two lives, you can’t,” he said.

At the same time they were bringing the first man out, Gilbert and Walck were on their way in. Seconds later they brought out another man from the home’s second floor.

Gilbert, a lieutenant, said they relied on the lessons from their training to guide their actions.

“You just have to look back at the training you have, and from that point, you do what you’re taught to do,” Gilbert said.

The two victims were treated at the scene, taken to a hospital, and later released, Greco said.

The firefighters downplayed the honors and said recognition isn’t why they do their job.

“We provide a service to the community, and they expect us to be there. That’s what happened,” Gilbert said.