GEORGETOWN TWP. — Firefighters from Georgetown Township have been acknowledged with a “Compassionate Fire Department Award” from PETA for his or her efforts in saving a canine final week.
PETA mentioned the award acknowledges the “bravery and determination” of fireside division employees of their efforts to avoid wasting a black lab named Hazel on Monday, Jan. 15.
“This dog was minutes away from a terrifying death, but thanks to the Georgetown Township firefighters’ compassion and quick action, she’s safe back at home with her family,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien wrote in a press launch. “PETA hopes these rescuers’ bravery will inspire people everywhere to always help when they see an animal in need.”
PETA despatched a framed certificates and vegan sweets to the division.
The canine fell by means of a skinny layer of ice on Cedar Lake East, within the space of Fillmore Street and twenty fourth Avenue close to Jenison.
A neighbor noticed Hazel had fallen by means of the ice and referred to as 911. Members of the Georgetown Township Dive Team then used ropes and floor rescue fits to rescue the canine, who was 20 toes away in “chest-deep water.”
“The dog was extremely exhausted and had ice forming on its face and nose when we arrived,” Georgetown Township Fire Chief Matt DeWitt mentioned in a press release. “We were thankful that we got to reunite Hazel with her owner and that no one was injured.”
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Firefighter and diver Jeremy Vandenheuvel went into the water to retrieve Hazel. He told WOOD TV-8 it was a “humbling” expertise.
“Approaching Hazel in the water there, I remember her eye contact. It was: ‘I got to get out of here, and you’re my only hope right now,’” Vandenheuvel informed WOOD. “It’s humbling to look at any kind of life, whether it’s an animal or human being. Those are really critical moments.”
Hazel was reunited together with her household and has since recovered.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at [email protected].
