Smoke was pouring out of the windows of the second-floor apartment when firefighters from Ladder 170 arrived. The boys' mother was outside screaming that her children were trapped inside.
The Bravest raced upstairs and found one boy atop the bed and the other underneath.
"They were both unconscious - no breathing, no pulse," said FDNY Lt. Bill Croak, a 27-year veteran who whisked the boys to safety along with his men.
Outside, members of Engine 257 and a cop performed CPR, reviving the kids by the time medics arrived.
"They were brought back to life and they were crying and breathing on their own when they left," said Croak.
"I'm just glad my boys are OK," said their grateful father, Reynaldo Perez, 39.
His children were taken to New York Hospital, where they were in serious but stable condition.
"To be able to get the kids out and make a difference feels pretty good. We had throughout the city some fatal fires, it's nice to come out ahead," said Croak, who battled a Feb. 1 fire where a woman died.
Sheet rock fell from the burning ceiling and struck firefighter Jimmy McNulty of Ladder 170 during the rescue. He was taken to Kings County hospital for minor injuries.
Originally published by CHRISTINA CARREGA and MATTHEW NESTEL.
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Written by The New York Post