Los Angeles Fire Department Saves Dog Trapped in LA River


Posted by John Romano in News and Analysis on January 22, 2010

LOS ANGELES (YBH.ME) – In a dramatic effort today, and one of the most heartwarming scenes of Americana in a long time, the Los Angeles Fire Department saved a dog from rushing waters in the Los Angeles River.

A Los Angeles Fire Department rescue helicopter.

The rescue was carried live on Los Angeles television and nationally on FOX News and MSNBC.  The dog, a young German Shepard, or mix thereof, fell into the river this morning and was swept away by the currents.  After “treading” water for a mile or so, a fire department helicopter swooped in and a fireman on a tie line was lowered into the water and rescued the dog.  However, a chaotic scene ensued for about a minute as the fireman wrestled the dog into a harness.  It is unclear if the fireman was wearing protective gear as he was bitten more than once and never flinched. 

A has scene the worst rains since 1985, which has led to floods and mudslides throughout Southern California.

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  1. #1 by Sharon on January 22, 2010 - 8:49 pm

    I cried like a baby when I saw the rescue crews rescue the dog. It looks like a Heeler that I lost to Cushings disease a few months back and I commend the rescue crews for going above and beyond to save him/her. I just hope the owner will take the dog home, love it and be more aware of what it is doing.

  2. #2 by Jake on January 22, 2010 - 8:58 pm

    It really ticked me off to once again see these "rescuers" not even trying to rescue this dog. They were jsut trying to make him wall into his own rescue on a very thin wall, instead of actually goign and getting him. I praise the man who actually had the good heart to go in and get him, unlike the other buffoons. That man is a hero

  3. #3 by June D. Hazleton on January 22, 2010 - 8:59 pm

    The best piece of news I have seen in a long time…What an edge of the seat drama!!!. I am so happy that dog was saved, and kudos to the rescuer, whomever she or he is…..and thank you to MSNBC for it's sensitivity in knowing that the public would be interested in knowing the outcome of this, and they stuck with the story….What a relief

  4. #4 by Jake on January 22, 2010 - 8:59 pm

    **********It really ticked me off to once again see these "rescuers" not even trying to rescue this dog. They were just trying to make him walk into his own rescue on a very thin wall, instead of actually going and getting him. I praise the man who actually had the good heart to go in and get him, unlike the other buffoons. That man is a hero******
    I hate when I make spelling errors.

  5. #5 by Joe on January 22, 2010 - 9:03 pm

    Too bad they couldn't get him out sooner. There were four guys that went in earlier but the dog got scared and 'swam' away. Good job to all. Its the little victories that bring us hope.

  6. #6 by Suzette and Chris on January 22, 2010 - 9:04 pm

    YEA!!! We are so glad that there are people that put theirselves in danger to rescue the cute dog! We were about to go out there our selves from FL and jump in that river!! LOL! But really – should there really be a question of human life when it comes to rescuing an animal; a dog at that, when there are so many stories how dogs have saved so many humans….anyways. When it comes to our opinion, we would definitely put our life on the line for an animal.

  7. #7 by Tony Williams on January 22, 2010 - 9:07 pm

    I am was soo happy to see that fire fighter get in there and save that dog. I could only hope that they would risk human life for that dog. I wanted to help him, but there was nothing I could do from me living room, but watch. I loved the way the dog thought he was swimming in the air lol. We all should have a little more respect for the men and women that put them selves of the line every day for people and animals alike.

    • #8 by Marianne on January 23, 2010 - 5:36 am

      I am an animal lover..I was so scared that the poor pup was not going to make it..What a beautiful outcome…and yes i also thought it was soooo cute when he thought he was swimming in the air…I thought they waited a bit too long to do what they ended up doing anyway, and I was getting very worried for pup, but thanks t the hero who saved the day, there is a very cute dog with the new name "Lucky"

  8. #9 by Becky on January 22, 2010 - 5:07 pm

    Thank You for caring about this stray dog. The poor animal was so scared and tired. It makes me feel proud that even a stray dog is considered a life to the rescuers. May God bless you for your efforts today! You made us all proud.

  9. #10 by Dog Lover on January 22, 2010 - 9:10 pm

    I couldn't breathe while watching. To Jake, you shouldn't be criticizing the people who were brave enough to save this pup. There were wires that the helicopter was trying to avoid, human lives at stake, and you dare to criticize. In case you missed it, they actually did go in and get the dog. I'm sure they were in a far better situation to decide the safest thing for everyone involved. Kudos to all involved. I hope that the pup is doing well, and glad the brave men who saved him are rewarded for their good deed.

  10. #11 by Therese on January 22, 2010 - 9:13 pm

    Jake, you're a moron. Every year about 1/3 of all water rescue fatalities are the rescuers themselves. The firefighters conducted this SUCCESSFUL rescue in a manner that everyone got to walk away from. Sure, it's easy to armchair quarter back this from the safety of your warm chair. This was a team effort, they are all heroes.

  11. #12 by @TonyCruz831 on January 22, 2010 - 9:14 pm

    I am was soo happy to see that fire fighter get in there and save that dog. I could only hope that they would risk human life for that dog. I wanted to help him, but there was nothing I could do from me living room, but watch. I loved the way the dog thought he was swimming in the air lol. We all should have a little more respect for the men and women that put them selves of the line every day for people and animals alike.

  12. #13 by e desilva on January 22, 2010 - 9:14 pm

    A rescue is a rescue, whoever needs the help.Proud to see out firefighters fight for anyones life.Stop the hating.That dog deserved to be saved, and it only helped the firefighters practice saving tecniques.Bravo.

  13. #14 by Shannon on January 22, 2010 - 9:18 pm

    That was just an amazing rescue!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and was so thankful when the dog was saved. It warms my heart to see people still care. :)

  14. #15 by Kathy on January 22, 2010 - 9:31 pm

    Thanx to the brave LA firefighter who rescued that little pup. There is a place for you in heaven. You are truly an angel!

  15. #16 by Claudene on January 22, 2010 - 5:48 pm

    I would like to make a monetary donation to this rescue team from LAFD Helicopter 4… Does anyone know what organization supports this team and the animal rescues that the LAFD risks their lives for… I LOVED IT!! VERY HEROIC!!! My dad was a fireman, we love animals… he said he would have done the same thing!!! Great WORK! Who do I make the check out to??? Thank you LAFD Chopper 4!!!

  16. #18 by Becky on January 22, 2010 - 11:22 pm

    The BEST story in a long time. THANK YOU to the rescue team! What a kind, generous and brave thing you did!It's great to see what humans will do for animals! I hope dog and rescuer are doing well!

  17. #19 by ElCaminoMan on January 23, 2010 - 12:34 am

    Yes the dog is doing well, and the rescuer is being treated for bites. LOL I have even MORE respect for him now.

  18. #20 by Doug on January 23, 2010 - 12:47 am

    Hero! plain and simple. hopefully he gets a commendation of some sort.

  19. #21 by Gale on January 23, 2010 - 2:20 am

    God bless you Joe and the firehouse you represent. I know you and your fellow firemen didn't think twice about risking your lives to save that precious dog. I pray that you have a speedy recovery and I thank God for men like you.

  20. #22 by Tim on January 23, 2010 - 3:05 am

    What a waste of tax payers money when the city is in such a budget crisis that they are closing fire engines everyday and human lives are being put at risk. We had to pay thousands of dollars to operate multiple helicopters and fire engines and now we have to pay a fireman to be off duty and cover his medical bills as well. Theres no questions that lives of firemen need to be risked for human life, but a dog??? Not to mention all the citizens of Los Angeles that whose lives were risked due to the lack of fire engines in the area because they were trying to rescue a dog!!! Thank you to the firemen who risked their lives today and everyday. Especially the one that was injured today. You went above and beyond the call of duty. God bless all of you and your families.

  21. #23 by SonomaSenior on January 23, 2010 - 4:21 am

    It is interesting to see the comments on this. I too watched it on the edge of my chair via FOX who did not break for anything. Was it a waste…maybe, but where the heart is concerned, no. I am sure the trained firefighters knew exactly what they were doing and better them than a concerned but dummy like me trying to get the dog. With all that is going on in the world we needed a 'feel good' story. Thanks to the helicopter pilot too. I hope the man who saved him recovers soon and the dog, if not claimd by its owners, finds a good home with someone.

  22. #24 by Beverly on January 23, 2010 - 5:44 am

    What a wonderful, spiritually uplifting news story to watch as it was unfolding today on Fox. Just couldn't turn it off and leave. And the courage of the fireman who did the ultimate result, being biten numerous times, I am sure, is to be so greatly admired. Also, congratulations to the helicopter pilot for is skill in handling this 'copter so close to power lines and then the "gentle" landing of the fireman with the dog in his arms.
    With all the sad and upsetting things we are seeing and hearing each and every day on the news, it is really great to witness such a happy-ending news item….Everyone wins!!

  23. #25 by Marc on January 23, 2010 - 2:59 am

    You are all a bunch of idiots. Everyone should re-evaluate their priorities. It was just a dog! 50 fire-fighters loads of equipment, to include a helicopter that uses alot of fuel. The money and resources used to save this dog could have been used in other ways or not at all. This is the same fire department that wanted people to evavcuate from areas in the hills surrounded Los angeles, because they did not want to put fire fighters "in harms way". Well, isn't that a load of crap. Their was no hero here. Top officials made a decision to put the life of a fire fighter in danger to save a wayward dog. If you want to make a monetary donation to something worth while and help save lives (human ones), give to a homeless shelter or feed the hungry. Everyone, including the LAFD should pull their heads out of thier asses and think about what is truely important.

  24. #27 by Claudia on January 23, 2010 - 8:41 am

    i too was extremely happy to see the poor dog rescued! It is extremely heartwarming to see what some people will do to save an innocent animal. i would also like to mention that if marc or tim ever fall into the LA river, i hope they DON'T get rescued because then it really would be a waste of tax payers money!! their arguments are ridiculous and i found their posts to be a joke!

  25. #28 by Sympatheia on January 23, 2010 - 11:19 am

    4,000 dogs and cats Los Angeles SHELTERS ARE ALMOST OUT OF FOOD, and the animal welfare group is asking for emergency contributions of money and food from individuals.

    See LAT article:

    http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2010/01...

    CALL:
    Los Angeles (323) 730-5300
    Long Beach, (562) 570-7722
    Hawthorne, (310) 676-1149

    The rescue was a well executed demonstration of our fire department’s training and dedication to saving lives!
    More courage and compassion would make LA a better place for us all.

  26. #29 by Patee on January 23, 2010 - 1:36 pm

    By the way, CLAUDIA! I agree with you….MARK and TIM need to get a life!!! Not only are they bitter, but they actually take the time to blog when they are bitter! All I know is Joe St. Georges got in, did the job, hurt his thumb, went back to work and that was it. Hero status that shows what he did for a stray dog, we know, he would do for a fellow human being 100 times over.

    Though, perhaps not Mark or Tim!!

  27. #30 by Patee on January 23, 2010 - 1:30 pm

    Why am I not surprised to see 27 comments on this beautiful news piece? I have never before #1 commented on a news piece or #2 taken the time to look!

    But, I have to give HUGE kudos to the helicopter pilot and JOE ST. GEORGES for saving that dog! Not only did I record it for my husband to watch later, my neighbors and my sister as well. I was home briefly for my lunch break and could not tear my eyes away from the screen. Seeing Joe St. Georges on channel 7 news this morning made it that much better. He was so gracious, with a little joke that "once he let go of my thumb, that stopped hurting"…classy man, and a real hero. Thank you for a great feel good story! And Joe St. Georges…25 year vet of the fire department…you rock!!!

  28. #31 by Lindad on January 23, 2010 - 6:47 pm

    Congratulations to the Los Angeles Fire Department and Joe St. Georges! Your rescue of Lucky was a true testament to all that is good with mankind. Thank you for restoring my faith in humans. Joe is a true hero!

  29. #32 by suckit on January 23, 2010 - 9:17 pm

    Thank god they were out rescuing a dog. I hope they missed a few 911 calls-preferably from the true tax sucking scumbags who milk the system. It would thrill me to hear that a gang member bled to death while LAFD was out rescuing a dog. It only makes sense to take care of the superior being…..I say score one for the taxpayers yesterday! hahahahaha

  30. #33 by Linda on January 23, 2010 - 11:08 pm

    God Bless each of you involved in the rescue of the dog! That was one of the most awesome things I have seen.It shows the character and heart of those brave men/women to help that poor animal. These animals experience all the emotions that a human does, including fear. I am sure he bit his rescuer . out of fear. What a heart warming story………it is stories like this that sets America apart from so many other nations. I am proud of you guys!!!!!

  31. #34 by Amy Malcom on January 24, 2010 - 10:32 pm

    My mom told me about this story. A welcome reprieve from so much of the other news we're hearing recently – Haiti, etc… Anne Frank was right about people.

  32. #35 by Lisa T, Buffalo, NY on January 26, 2010 - 4:21 am

    IMPRESSIVE!!!!!!! Fabulous job by all involved! Heroes in my book!

  33. #36 by carol on January 26, 2010 - 4:11 pm

    It's a dog, who paid for all this attention?? It cost us a fortune for any type of help and yet a dog gets all this attention. California's has to raise taxes and registration charges and for what to have a helicopter rescue a dog that could swim, get a clue people. Dog's lived in the wild they are smart enough to swim if they have too stop pampering them. This totally discuss me. What a waist of taxpayers money. A helicopter get real.

  34. #37 by Joe on February 3, 2010 - 3:45 pm

    54.Wasted tax dollars and the owner was an illegal immigrant. Wow! do we really wonder why the state of California can’t balance their budget?

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