A win-win for the ages. In an amazing act of bravery and duty, the Los Angeles Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team and the Air Operations Rescue unit combine forces to help a desperate dog in dire straits.
It’s a story now engrained in LAFD history and lore. The year was 2010, and after days of nonstop torrential downpours, a frightened German Shepherd is hanging on for dear life after being trapped in the raging waters of the LA River. Officials with the LAFD quickly assessed the situation and made the decision to rescue the panicked pooch.
According to now retired LAFD Battalion Chief, Stephen Ruda, “All life is important to a firefighter in Los Angeles.” Stephen goes on to explain, sending in expertly trained firefighters is the right thing to do and much less of a risk than a good samaritan attempting to make the rescue, which could have resulted in the loss of a human life.
All eyes were on the dog rescue operation which is captured live on the local and national news. Nervous and anxious viewers watch as a firefighter is lowered from the helicopter into the frigid waters below, where, after putting up a struggle and biting his rescuer several times, the dog is eventually secured into a harness and airlifted out of the river and taken to safety.
The firefighter was treated for bite wounds to his hand and the dog was reunited with its family.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of the daring rescue was a whirlwind for the team. They became overnight celebrities, appearing on the “Today” show and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” among others.
The helicopter and swift water rescue crew were hailed as heroes thanks to their quick response and dedication to saving all lives.
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