Rye Recreation Program Assistant Awarded Certificate of Bravery

RYE, NH — A Rye recreation program assistant was given an award for community dedication Tuesday in recognition of his "quick thinking and bravery" during a July house fire in Portsmouth, town officials said.

Dennis Okyere was given the Outstanding Bravery and Community Dedication certificate at the Select Board meeting, at which Okyere recalled the moment on July 18 when he first observed fire and smoke coming from the garage of his neighbor's home.

"He instantly jumped into action, telling his roommate to call 911, and began calling out for his neighbors while running around the house to ensure they were accounted for and safely evacuated," town officials wrote in a news release Friday. "He watched as his neighbors made it out safely and proceeded to alert first responders to get away from the fully engulfed home, ultimately preventing officers from being exposed to danger."

During the ceremony, Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau emphasized that "Anything that can be done to keep the scene safe when we first arrive to the call is critical. Remembering that these officers and firefighters have loved ones and keeping them safe is also so important."

He added in a quip to Okyere: "Just hearing about what you did, you are welcome to arrive first to any fire that we go to."

Rye Deputy Police Chief Scott Blaisdell pointed out that "there are many people who will go and stand there, take their phones out, and not actually do something."

"It takes a lot to take action," he added.

Town Administrator Matt Scruton said that he wanted to congratulate Okyere on behalf of the town of Rye and "commend his actions not just during the July incident but every day."

"Dennis is someone who truly goes out of this way to help people and hearing how he took charge of the situation to protect not only his neighbors but first responders was truly incredible," he added.