Vail Firefighters Lauded for Saving Turtle After Car Accident

PETA Recognizes First Responders for Finding and Reviving Family’s Companion

For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to Vail Fire & Emergency Services after firefighters responded to a car accident on Sunday morning and were told by the youngest victim that his turtle, named Turtle, was still in the overturned vehicle. Firefighters on the scene were unable to find him, so they continued their search after the car had been towed to a safe location—and after 10 minutes, they found him frozen in his terrarium water. Capt. Craig Davis used lukewarm water to thaw and revive Turtle, who was reunited with his family.

“These firefighters did everything they could to ensure that every single one of this vehicle’s occupants was saved,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their kindness and determination will inspire people everywhere to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—is sending Vail Fire & Emergency Services a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, a letter of congratulations, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet, a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating plant-based meals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.