A New Milford police officer is being called a hero for saving people's lives in a recent fire.

Officer Eric Wilcoxson says he was on his way to the New Milford Police Department on Friday to be sworn in when he noticed a fire in Newtown.

He says he saw fire and smoke coming from a home on Hanover Road. Wilcoxson and his two brothers went into the home and rescued three people.

All their pets were also taken out safely.

Wilcoxson says he still made it to the department 10 minutes early for his swearing-in.

Police Chief Spencer Cerruto says he is proud of what his new officer did.  Wilcoxson says he and his brothers would do it again to save the lives of complete strangers.

Wilcoxson says he doesn't consider himself a hero.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Wilcoxson was with the Stratford Police Department for the past three years before joining the force in New Milford.