Firefighter Wades Into Cold Water to Clinch Heroic Rescue
For
Immediate Release:
May
16, 2012
Contact:
Kristin
Richards 202-483-7382
Manchester, N.H. — On May 11, Steve Soba was walking his 6-year-old dog Sam in Arms Park when, after being let off his leash, Sam dashed toward the Merrimack River and got caught up in the cold current, unable to escape because the river is surrounded by a high wall. After members of the Manchester Fire Department arrived, firefighter Joel Monroe rappelled down the wall, waded into the water, and secured Sam. A rescue boat retrieved the dog and took him safely back to shore.
For its rescue team's brave effort to save Sam's life, the Manchester Fire Department will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.
"Using expertise and quick action, the Manchester Fire Department has reminded residents that animals are worthy of compassion," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA wants the community to know that anyone can be a hero to animals—whether it's reporting an animal in distress to local authorities, asking a neighbor to let a chained dog indoors, or taking a homeless cat to an animal shelter."
The fire department will receive a framed certificate, a box of vegan chocolates, and oxygen masks specially designed for dogs, cats, and other animals.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.