By Erika Martinez and Cynthia R. Fagen, The New York Post
In a dramatic early-morning rescue, three hero cops rushed into a burning Queens building and helped terrified residents flee a quick-spreading blaze that injured eight people, including four firefighters.
The three cops - Richard Colucci, Niklas Locke and Orlando Celis, all from the 114th Precinct - banged on doors to warn residents, some still asleep while their home in Astoria was ablaze.
Colucci was credited with rescuing 60-year-old Giovanna Salamone, who was trapped in her smoke-filled apartment in the adjoining building where the blaze spread.
Police said Colucci broke down her door, scooped the woman up in his arms and carried her down a flight of stairs in the blinding smoke.
The fire erupted shortly before 6:30 a.m., when Colucci and partner Locke spotted flames shooting from the roof of 2912 Hoyt Ave. South.
After calling for backup, the two cops broke down the front door and began systematically banging on doors.
Celis arrived and joined in, taking second-floor tenant Reyna Monral, 38, to safety. She suffered smoke inhalation.