SCHENECTADY, N.Y. --  A Schenectady veteran was rescued from a fire at his home Wednesday morning. A neighbor rushed into action, and pulled him from the home.

Clarence Cohens has no experience as a firefighter, but when the call to action came Wednesday morning, he did not hesitate.

“I saw it was my friend Ricky's house and that's when I got nervous because he only has one leg,” Cohens said.

While 911 was being called, Clarence knew they weren't going to be quick enough and kicked down the front door of the burning house looking for his friend.

“I kicked the door in. It went on top of him -- he was right there. We took him out and that's when everyone else showed up, the police and fire department,” he said.

"Well it was a tough fire, it was a hot fire. The house was heavily involved, but we have it under control,” said Schenectady Fire Department Ray Senecal.

The victim, Ricky was pulled out and was unconscious and is listed in critical condition.

So far, there is no word yet on what started the fire.