Police Officers and Firefighter of the Year Honored

North Andover Police and Fire Department honored heroes within their ranks at the annual Exchange Club Public Safety Awards Banquet Wednesday night.

North Andover had two winners for Officer of the Year. Police Chief Paul Gallagher selected Det. Robert Barter and Officer William Lynch for their efforts in a chase last year.

Last June, a Maine man robbed the TD Bank on Andover Street and fled in his truck up I-495. Barter and Lynch pursued him -- first through North Andover up Route 125 northbound and then toward New Hampshire on 495 -- and helped in his capture near the New Hampshire border.

Firefighter of the Year, selected by Fire Chief Andrew Melnikas, is Lt. William McCarthy. McCarthy was chosen for his years in fire safety instruction.