Sherri,
To answer your question about saving pets, yes we do!! The firefighter above me and another pulled a German Shepard from a smoke filled house and administered oxygen and the dog was fine.
I too was lucky enough to save a pet. We went to an apartment complex fire we were responding on the second alarm. When we arrived the Chief in charge said that the first floor hadn't been searched and sent us in. As I was getting an extra tool off the engine I looked over in the crowd and there is this little boy about six with his Mom and Dad and he yells out that his dog didn't come out.
His Dad looked at him and tells him that the dog can't get out. I yell over to the Dad that I'll get him and then say to myself what am I going to do if I don't.
Well fate works in many ways, I tell my partner I'll search left and he'll go right. The first turn I make puts me in the bathroom. Now, you have to remember I can't see anything and this fire has not been put out and is getting larger. I then hear on the radio for everyone to evacuate the building due to the roof collapsing.
Now in the bathroom I make a quick sweep before I go. I reach into the bathtub and my hand hits something, I reach in a grab whatever it is and it's heavy to the point that I have to drag it to the door.
Well I get outside and it's the dog but he's not breathing. My partner meets me and we start giving the dog my air mask. About five minutes of giving him air he sits up and starts licking our faces.
What I didn't see was the family watching this across the street and the boy was crying the whole time the dog was down.
He didn't see him get up until I brought him over.
The family sent a beautiful letter to my Chief and I still have it in my locker.
And I'll tell you what, I'll take letters like that over any amount of money anyday.
We count on you all! Keep up the great work. Nice photo.
