FDNY Firefighters Save Woman and Dog Who were Struck by a Truck
FDNY firefighters in Queens made a dramatic, and unusual, rescue on Aug. 21, saving the lives of a woman bicyclist and her dog after they were struck by a truck.
Members from Engine 289 and Ladder 138 were headed to a water main break at around 5 p.m. when they were flagged down on 43rd Avenue. A woman, who was riding a bicycle with her 5-month-old Pomeranian puppy, Charlie, was struck by a truck and lying on the street.
Firefighters from Engine 289 evaluated the woman’s injuries as EMS members arrived and transported her to a local hospital.
The members of Ladder 138, including Lt. Michael Decollibus, and Firefighters Stephen Corr, Brian Cullen, Stephen Maly, Kevin Mohr and Daniel Kennelly, saw the small dog nearby. He was bleeding and appeared severely injured.
“It sounds cliché, but he’s literally looking up at you with those sad puppy dog eyes and your heart goes out to it,” Lt. Decollibus said.
One of the firefighters suggested they take him to a veterinarian a few blocks away. They put the dog inside a small, open-top cardboard box and a firefighter carried it on his lap on the rig.
The veterinarian said the dog was in poor condition, but she did not have the capabilities to treat him at her office, suggesting they take him to BluePearl Veterinary Partners Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Forest Hills.
Doctors there said the dog had three fractures and substantial bleeding, but no internal injuries, so he should be able to make a full recovery.
After the accident, firefighters took the woman’s bike as well as her brother’s (who was riding alongside her but was not injured in the accident) to the firehouse for safe keeping. When the woman’s brother came to pick them up, he reported that she sustained only minor injuries in the accident. And they were grateful firefighters stepped up to help the puppy.
“It’s certainly makes you feel good to know we could help the poor helpless dog,” Lt. Decollibus said. “It’s what we’re supposed to do, a life is a life.”