Three Andover public safety officers were among 20 Merrimack Valley police and fire personnel honored during the Exchange Club of Lawrence's annual Annual Public Safety Officers of the Year Award Dinner.
The honorees are from the Lawrence, Andover and North Andover departments as well as "EMTs of the Year" from Lawrence General Hospital and Patriot Ambulance.
Andover Police Detectives Gregory Scott and Frank Fitzpatrick were honored for their work, presented with awards by police Chief Brian Pattullo.
Andover firefighter Wayne Merola, a 26-year veteran who lives in Haverhill, was honored for responding to his neighbors early morning house fire in Haverhill while off duty. Along with off-duty Haverhill firefighter, Rodney Nutter, also a neighbor, the two firemen went inside the burning house to make sure all occupants got out safely.
The dinner was held last Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Wyndham Andover Hotel on Old River Road. Among those present at the evening was Wayne Merola's father, retired Andover Fire Lt. Richard Merola, a 38-year department veteran.
