Officer who rescued two from burning home honored for bravery

From left, Chief (ret.) Baiocchetti, RPD Officer Michael Brinkman (another member of the Congressional Delegation), Sgt. Nicholas Alexander, Communications Specialist Andrew Neal. Seated is Mrs. Neal. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - On January 22, 2023, the Communications Center at the Rochester Police Department received a call from one of its own Communications Specialists, Andrew Neal, calmly stating that his home was on fire.

Communications Specialists quickly went to work, dispatching crews to respond. Then Officer, now Sgt. Nicholas Alexander was first on scene and helped Neal and his wife to safety. Alexander grabbed a fire extinguisher from his cruiser and entered the home as flames were coming from the roof and smoke was pouring out of the windows.

He located Neal and his wife - who both have mobility issues - on the second floor and helped them out of the residence by using the extinguisher to fight back embers falling from the ceiling, allowing them to escape.

Alexander's actions that day have since resulted in him being unanimously selected to receive the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award for Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Chief (ret.) Vincent Baiocchetti of the Congressional Delegation presented Alexander with the award at a recent Police Commission meeting.