NEW YORK -- Transit Police Officer Denfield Otto was riding to choir practice when the firebomb went off just 15 feet from him.
The noise was deceiving -- little more than a firecracker pop. But he spun around in his seat fast enough to see a flash, a small flame -- and then 15 seconds later a roaring blast of flames.
And the bedlam.
Officer Otto immediately stifled all thoughts of singing Christmas carols in his West Indian baritone voice -- and went into action.
"Passengers scattered and ran to ward the exits," Officer Otto said. "I looked around and there were two men on fire, in flames, and they were lying on the ground.
"Some brave passengers who did not panic took off their coats and were beating the flames off of these two men."
The 54-year-old, a transit officer for 25 years, sprinted off the train and straight to a token booth, where he knew fire extinguishers are kept. Grabbing one, he ran back to passengers and quickly extinguished flames engulfing them.
Less than two hours later, still a bit shaken, wearing a green Army fatigue jacket, he was at City Hall, standing beside Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and being hailed as a hero.
Officer Otto's wore the smile of a man happy to be alive, but embarrassed under the glare of spotlights. "I don't feel like a hero," Officer Otto said. "I was just doing my job."
"He was very, very instrumental in assisting people," the Mr. Giuliani said. "He is to be commended for his immediate and brave response."
President Clinton later called to congratulate Officer Otto, and issued a statement saying: "He is a hero all Americans can be proud of. Especially during this holiday season, Mr. Otto's actions remind each of us of our responsibilities to one another and embody the best in every New Yorker and every American."
Officer Otto, the father of three and grandfather of five, wouldn't normally have been on that No. 4 train, but he was 45 minutes late for a practice session with the Transit Police choir. Originally from Antigua and now living in East Harlem, he also sings in the St. Philip's Episcopal Church choir in Harlem.
At the church last night, his valor -- and his modesty -- were no surprise to the Rev. Nathan Wright.
"He has a remarkable sense of responsibility and of caring," Mr. Wright said. "He sings and sings of faithfulness and sensitivity, and he conducts himself that way -- very, very responsibly.
"This city has needed a hero like Denfield. It's a shot in the city's arm. We're just pleased it's one who identified with us."