Long Island Fire Departments Receive ASPCA Public Service Award

Three dogs and a 19-year-old woman survived a house fire in Long Island thanks to a group of brave and heroic firefighters from Islip, Suffolk County. For their efforts, the firefighters were given this year's ASPCA Public Service Award.  

The horrible scene unfolded on July 17 when the Islip Terrace Fire Department, Islip Fire Department and East Islip Fire Department received a 911 call about a house fire where one person and three dogs—two Siberian Huskies and an Alaskan malamute—were trapped. Arriving at the address, firefighters saw the massive fire breaking through the windows into the first and second floor. The firefighters—all volunteers—were able to break the basement window to bring the woman and two dogs to safety. One dog was able to escape on his own. 

But not everyone was in the clear just yet. 

Discovering two of the dogs were unconscious and barely breathing, the firefighters immediately began chest compressions and cooled off the dogs with a fire hose. The dogs were in such bad shape, no one was sure if they'd survive. One dog was still on fire when he was carried out of the house. 

Two of the firefighters performed CPR on each dog, breathing into their mouths while delivering chest compressions to provide fresh air. They also gave oxygen through one of the firefighter’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Filled with adrenaline and emotion, the firefighters were relieved when all the dogs responded to treatment and were able to stand on their own. 

“We did not leave those dogs' side until that one dog—Luna—stood up on her own power,” Ryan Lowe, volunteer firefighter at Islip Terrace Fire Department, said. “The crowd was screaming, cheering and crying. It was very emotional because I honestly didn't think that either dog had a chance. It was incredible to see them come back to life right in front of your very eyes.” 

The dramatic rescue was captured on video, inspiring people nationwide.

The rescued woman suffered smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning but is thankfully ok.  And all three dogs survived their ordeal thanks to these firefighters’ skill and quick thinking. The collaborating departments—who serve more than 14,000 residents combined— acted not only on their duty but also on their deep compassion for people and animals in need.

“You couldn’t save much in that house, but we were able to save the young woman and the dogs,” Lowe said. “It was very emotional because none of us thought either of the dogs had a chance, and it was incredible to see them come to life right in front of our own eyes. There’s always that slim chance that we can get them back and we’re never going to give up.”