A Newtown Police Officer was among church members who rescued a Waterbury family from a fire in their home Sunday.  The Waterbury Observer reports that a member of Walnut Hill Community Church could feel heat through the walls of the building, and saw fire in the house next door. 

The church was evacuated and Newtown Police Officer Will Chapman and others went to work on the rescue plan.  Church elder Tim McCandless, Chapman and congregants, including a 21-year old, ran towards the fire.  The fire forced the family onto the roof, and the two adults handed their four children down to the rescuers. 

The family's pets were also rescued.  A kitten was also rescued off the roof. One dog darted back into the kitchen, and 21-year old Luke Amory told the Observer he went inside and pulled the dog back out. 

Newtown Police Chief James Viadero says Officer Chapman is an officer who exemplifies professionalism and courage.  He said they are very fortunate to have him as an officer with the agency.  Viadero continued by saying it's officers like Chapman that truly represent all that is good in law enforcement.