Upper Nazareth Township Police Officer Honored for Saving Woman, Pets

Jacob Abel, an Upper Nazareth Township police officer, was honored Wednesday night for heroically saving Joyce Piazza, 56, and her pets when a chimney fire broke out at the woman’s apartment on Dec. 14.

With his family in attendance, Abel received a standing ovation at the monthly Board of Supervisors’ meeting after Police Chief Alan Siegfried commended him for his acts of bravery.

Abel responded at 7:40 a.m. to the home at 3047 Bath Pike after there were reports of heavy smoke coming from the chimney and roof.

Before emergency crews arrived, Abel heard dogs barking inside. He broke down the door and safely removed the animals and took them to safety.

Abel then went back inside the home and found Piazza sleeping in an upstairs bedroom.

Piazza was escorted from the home and stayed with a neighbor until the fire was taken care of.  There were no injuries and the fire was contained to an addition portion of the home.