Rye Recreation Director Dyana Martin, Select Board Chair Bill Epperson, Recreation Program Assistant Dennis Okyere, and Select Board Vice Chair Bob McGrath award Okyere for his bravery and dedication to the community on Tuesday, Aug. 13. (Photo Courtesy Town of Rye) 
Rye Deputy Police Chief Scott Blaisdell, Select Board Chair Bill Epperson, Rye Recreation Program Assistant Dennis Okyere, and Fire Chief Mark Cotreau, award Dennis Okyere for Outstanding Bravery and Community Dedication. (Photo Courtesy Town of Rye) 
Rye Recreation Program Assistant Dennis Okyere receives a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Bravery and Community Dedication for his actions during a house fire in Portsmouth in July. (Photo Courtesy Town of Rye)
RYE —Town Administrator Matt Scruton is pleased to share that Rye Recreation Program Assistant Dennis Okyere received a certificate of recognition for Outstanding Bravery and Community Dedication on Tuesday.
Recreation Program Assistant Dennis Okyere was awarded the certificate during the Select Board meeting on Aug. 13.
Okyere was recognized for his quick thinking and bravery during a house fire in Portsmouth on July 18.
During the meeting, town officials presented the certificate of recognition and spoke highly of Okyere and his actions during the July incident.
Okyere recounted the day of the incident. He stated that he observed the 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. 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.
Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau shared inspiring words as he discussed how the efforts of the public make a difference when on-scene and joked with Okyereabout helping Rye in the future: “Anything that can be done to keep the scene safe when we first arrive to the call is critical, as there is a lot that needs to be done. Remembering that these officers and firefighters have loved ones and keeping them safe is also so important. Just hearing about what you did, you are welcome to arrive first to any fire that we go to.”
“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,” said Rye Deputy Police Chief Scott Blaisdell
Officials also spoke about the kind words of Portsmouth Police and Fire, who reached out to Rye specifically to commend and praise Okyere for his sacrifice, bravery, and stepping into action to help others.
“On behalf of the Town of Rye, I would like to congratulate Dennis on this recognition and commend his actions not just during the July incident but every day,” said Town Administrator Scruton. “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.
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