City Honors Whittier Tech Senior Who Rescued Dog From Burning Car

Alex Gabriel received a citation from Mayor James J. Fiorentini for his quick-thinking after a fire at Haverhill's Westgate Plaza Market Basket in December. (Courtesy photograph)

Attending a ceremony in praise of student Alex Gabriel, center, were, from left, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Principal Chris Laganas, Haverhill Police Capt. Robert P. Pistone, Mayor James J. Fiorentini, Haverhill Police Deputy Chief Anthony Haugh and Haverhill Fire Chief William F. Laliberty. (Courtesy photograph.)

Alex Gabriel rescued a dog from a car fire sparked at the Westgate Plaza Market Basket on Dec. 11. (Courtesy photograph.)

The high school senior who rescued a dog from a burning vehicle two weeks ago was honored this morning by Haverhill and school officials for his brave action.

Alex Gabriel, of Haverhill, was presented with a citation and received accolades during a ceremony inside Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s office. Gabriel is credited for his quick action when he saw smoke coming from a parked car on the afternoon of Dec. 11, at Westgate Plaza, 400 Lowell Ave. When he realized the car was burning and there was a large dog inside, he used his elbow to break a window and the dog was able to escape.

But for the action of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School student, officials said, “the dog most likely would have perished in the fire that consumed the vehicle.”

First responders then extinguished hot spots from the white Toyota Highlander parked outside the supermarket. In the meantime, store staff made efforts to identify the driver and owners of adjacent cars using the overhead public address system.

Adding praise during the ceremony were Whittier Tech Principal Chris Laganas, Haverhill Police Deputy Chief Anthony Haugh and Capt. Robert P. Pistone, and Haverhill Fire Chief William F. Laliberty.