Funeral services were held on Friday for a former Bridgeport police officer hailed as a hero for his actions during a 1973 fire.

Terrence Flood went into a burning house and saved the lives of a young boy and girl. In the process, Flood was critically hurt, became permanently disabled and was never able to return to work as a police officer.

"Flood was a great American hero who exemplified all the virtues of police work -- none more so than self-sacrifice," said Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez.

Services for the 71 -year-old Flood were held at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and he was laid to rest at St. Michael's Cemetery in Stratford.

"Everything that happened to him because of this, he would do it again, and it just shows you the kindness and the dedication that the policemen and firemen have for their job," said Flood's son, Terrence Flood III.