Freehold Firefighters Equipped with New Safety Device for Pets

The Freehold Independent Fire Department recently received a donation of three sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets – one for each of the three fire stations -- from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The masks were requested by Executive Board Member Rachel Mitzelman, after she learned about the company’s charitable program to donate masks.

Pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 pets die from smoke inhalation across the U.S. each year.

The cone-shaped masks donated by Canine Company are designed specifically for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. Each set includes masks in three sizes to accommodate pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

According to Canine Company, the lives of at least five New Jersey pets have been saved in the past year by first responders using the donated masks -- including a dog in Jackson Township.

“We are grateful to first responders who care about the well-being of family pets,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company, "and we are happy to be able donate these mask kits to help them keep pets safe.”

Canine Company has donated over 1,300 mask kits to first responders in more than 570 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. Other Monmouth County communities that have received mask donations from Canine Company include Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Hazlet, Holmdel, Keyport, Long Branch, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.

The Freehold Township Independent Fire Company was founded in 1963 and provide fire prevention and rescue services across the township. For information about volunteering call (732) 431-3662 or visit https://www.freeholdfire161.com.