March 28, 2005 -- An off-duty firefighter saved Easter for parishioners at a Queens church yesterday, hurdling over pews to help put out a blaze that sent hundreds fleeing.
What began as a joyous celebration at St. Teresa's Church on 50th Avenue in Sunnyside quickly became a chaotic scene when thick black plumes of smoke began billowing out of the sacristy behind the altar as the priest was giving his homily.
Off-duty firefighter Kenny O'Connor immediately leaped over rows of pews and charged into the back room armed with only a fire extinguisher, while the nearly 500 parishioners rushed for the doors.
"I went into the room, and the smoke was from the ceiling to three feet off the floor," said O'Connor, 35, of Engine Co. 43 in The Bronx.
"I got down on all fours to make sure no one was in there. It was all training.
"You don't even think about responding
