Chicago Fire Department Receives PETA Award for Saving Dogs’ Lives

Rescue Workers Use Oxygen Masks to Revive Animals Overcome by Smoke

For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

On June 26, paramedics and fire crews from the Chicago Fire Department’s 22nd Battalion responded to a blaze in the 600 block of W. 117th Place in West Pullman. They pulled one dog, Bella, from the burning home and found another, Patchy, by an exterior fence. Both animals were unresponsive and struggling to breathe as a result of smoke inhalation. Using specially designed animal oxygen masks, the rescuers were able to resuscitate both dogs. One paramedic was quoted in a news article as saying, “We treat people all the time, but to help animals too, it’s a great feeling. Especially to see that they’re turning around for the better.”

For their efforts in saving these two dogs, the Chicago Fire Department will receive PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award.

“The firefighters and paramedics of the Chicago Fire Department are truly heroes because they don’t consider their job done until all residents—both human and nonhuman—have made it to safety,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes the compassion and know-how shown by these first responders will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA encourages all animal guardians to put a sign on doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs and cats. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own.

The crews from Battalion 22 will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation, and some delicious vegan cookies from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.