SALEM, Mass. -- Early last month, a terrifying fire raced through a Salem home, but because of heroic work by firefighters, everyone escaped.

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported that the rescued residents thanked their heroes Wednesday at City Hall.

"The scariest moment of my life. I don't ever want to have to face anything like that again. I hope nobody else has to," said Lawanda Mimms, who survived the four-alarm fire on Oct.1.

Mimms said that her three children, including a 1-week-old baby, were among six people saved from the burning building. Those who answered the call that morning were applauded during a ceremony.

Honors were presented to firefighters and police officers, who teamed up as lifesavers. Included in the group was Salem Fire Department Capt. Tony Marfongelli.

"Fortunately, things all went well. As you know in the business, they don’t always," he said.

The firefighters presented Mimms, who lost everything in the fire, a check for $1,000 to help her get back on her feet.