A veteran Ramapo police officer is being hailed a hero after rushing into a burning home to rescue a 98-year-old woman inside.

Officer Mike Anton usually works in the traffic division, but on Friday he fought a fire at 23 Pinebrook Road in Chestnut Ridge. He was the first officer on the scene, and saw smoke billowing out of one of the back windows.

An elderly woman was trapped in the kitchen, where the fire apparently started, with no way out. Anton was able to pick up the woman and carry her outside to safety. He then grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran back inside to fight the flames until crews arrived.

Investigators say the flames were contained to the kitchen, thanks to the police officer's efforts.

Anton, who was born and raised in Suffern, is a former NYPD officer. He also served for five years as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown, and for two years as a volunteer firefighter in Washingtonville.

The senior is being treated at the Good Samaritan Hospital for minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.