MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry police officers saved two elderly women from burning structures on Saturday.

City Police Chief John McFarland said Officers Steve Veltri and Vince West were first to arrive at the scene of a working structure fire on South 10th Street. Both immediately took action to save an elderly woman from the house, as well as another elderly woman from a neighboring house that also received some fire damage. He noted the officers also helped save some pets as well.

“They were on the scene in less than a minute to do all this and get the job done,” McFarland said. “It makes me very proud.”

McFarland said the officers did not receive any burns while saving the women. One of the rescued women, though, did receive some burns from the fire, he added.

McFarland noted this is not the first time officers in his department have performed such heroic actions.

“There have been situations for everyone in the police department — either fire calls or gun calls, and no one has ever hesitated in their decision to do the right things,” McFarland said. “Saturday was a fine example of the people working here and what they’re willing to go through to serve their community.”

McFarland said members of the public do not always see or hear about his officers’ heroic actions and what they do “to prevent injury and harm.”

“I have an amazing group working for me and I’m proud of all of them,” he said.