Heroic first responders were honored Thursday for their bravery and lifesaving actions during a catastrophic gas explosion last month in Wappingers Falls.

Rep. Pat Ryan took the House floor to thank police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who risked their lives to rescue 15 victims injured in the explosion.

"Officer Devin Ludwig, investigator Andrew Hettinger, and firefighter John Marco Nikolaevich ran back into extreme peril to carry out victims trapped inside the smoldering rubble," Ryan recounted. "Firefighter Raekwon White pulled an injured victim from the scene and with backup medical personnel still en route, took it upon himself to transport the victim to a nearby hospital for immediate care, saving their life."

Officials say a certified contractor was replacing older natural gas lines in the area as part of a regular maintenance program when the explosion happened.