TEWKSBURY, Mass. (WWLP) - A Tewksbury police officer responded to a house fire on Mohawk Drive on Friday morning, leading the residents of the home to safety by himself before firefighters arrived. At around 5:40 a.m. on Friday, a call was received by Tewksbury Police and Fire Departments from a house on Mohawk Drive, reporting a house fire at a neighbor's residence. Tewksbury Police Officer Dennis Kelleher got the call when he was out on a nearby street, and arrived at the house before any fire or police crews. Springfield Fire Dept. mechanic retires after 38 years Kelleher noticed heavy smoke and flames coming from the living room of the house, and was then informed by a neighbor nearby that the residents were still inside the home. Kelleher tried kicking in the front door, but it was deadbolted. He found an open backdoor and entered the building. The three residents of the home were still sleeping, unaware of the fire. Kelleher's actions awoke them and he guided them safely out of their residence. Firefighters arrived at the house and extinguished the fire soon afterwards, and none of the residents were injured. Officer Kelleher received a commendation letter for his efforts in saving the residents of the home and performing a courageous service within the community. “This is one of the most intimidating situations a police officer can be put in,” Tewksbury Police Lt. Colin Trelegan said in the letter. “We train extensively and have equipment to handle most of the dangerous situations we face. However, in this situation, even though Officer Kelleher didn’t have firefighting equipment, he didn’t hesitate to put himself in harm for the lives of three Tewksbury residents.” Local News Headlines Local tax experts share tips on how to prepare for tax season St. Patrick’s Day Parade season ramps up with preliminary Colleen contest in Springfield Tips on staying warm and saving money as colder weather hits the region Springfield police seeks help locating 13-year-old girl WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.