Firefighters Resuscitated Unconscious Animal
For
Immediate Release:
January
9, 2012
Contact:
Kristin
Richards 202-483-7382
El Cajon, Calif. -- On January 4, El Cajon's Heartland Fire & Rescue reported to a fire at a mobile home on S. Second Street and put out the fire with help from the San Miguel Fire Protection District. When the rescue workers heard barking in the home, they sprang into action. Heartland Fire & Rescue's Brendan Saffer plunged into the smoke-filled home to retrieve Mojo, a Chihuahua who had fallen unconscious. Mojo was in grave condition, but Heartland Fire & Rescue's firefighter Rob Laatsch and paramedic Travis Timmins used an oxygen mask meant for human babies to revive him. The dog was taken to an animal hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to make a full recovery. For the firefighters' heroic actions, the Heartland Fire & Rescue will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award.
"El Cajon's bravest are also some of El Cajon's kindest," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We hope the rescue workers' compassion and ingenuity will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need."
The fire department will receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, a box of vegan chocolates, and a package of special oxygen masks designed specifically for dogs, cats, and other animals.
El Cajon isn't the only San Diego–area town with award-winning rescue workers. In September, the Alpine and Viejas fire departments received a PETA award for rescuing a dog stuck in a narrow crevasse.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.