Long Island Fire Departments Receive ASPCA Public Service Award
The firefighters saved a woman and three dogs from a house fire
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The ASPCA Public Service Award
This heroic act of bravery for animals didn't go unnoticed by the ASPCA. This year, the animal rescue organization presented all three fire departments with the 2022 ASPCA Public Service Award. The public service award is one of several humane awards the organization gives out each year to heroes from across the country for their outstanding contributions to animal welfare.
“Our 2022 ASPCA Humane Award winners demonstrate the impact of combining compassion and commitment to assist animals in need, as well as the power of the human-animal bond,” Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA, said. “We’re proud to honor these outstanding and inspiring animals, people, and organizations who share our mission to support vulnerable animals and those who care for them.”
Interestingly enough, one of the hero firefighters who had done CPR on the dogs was only trained two months prior to the incident through his role as a police officer. He never thought he'd have had to use that skill so soon, if at all, the other firefighters noted.
Other 2022 ASPCA Award Recipients
The Long Island firefighters were presented with the ASPCA public service award at the organization's awards luncheon in NYC on Oct. 12. Other ASPCA humane award winners this year are:
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Kid of the Year: Delanie Dennis (Tampa, FL)
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Cat Advocate of the Year: F.O.R.W.A.R.D.--Feline and Offenders Rehabilitation with Affection, Reformation and Dedication. (Indianapolis, IN)
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Dog of the Year: Clementine (Cedar Hill, TX)
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Equine Welfare Award: Detroit Horse Power (Detroit, MI)
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Henry Bergh Award: Dr. Jon Geller (Fort Collins, CO)
There's still no word on what started the house fire that day. But after the incident, the dogs were treated at the vet, and the firefighters are happy to share that all three dogs returned to their owners safe and sound.
For more information about the ASPCA and this year's award recipients, visit aspca.org or follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram.
Main image: Getty Images for the ASPCA