Families Donate Pet Oxygen Masks To First Responders

MAHWAH, NJ — Two local families donated pet oxygen masks to the township's Emergency Medical Services team in memory of a former deputy chief.

The Grassi and May families, along with a few anonymous donors, made it possible for seven sets of pet masks to be given to the team in memory of Greg Antonetti. One of Antonetti's last wishes before he died in April was to ensure that all emergency vehicles were equipped with the masks.

The masks comes in different sizes for large, medium and small pets. The masks will enable first responders to deliver oxygen to pets and help save their lives. Even smaller pets like birds and hamsters can be placed inside them.

“The Mahwah community came together to make Greg’s last wish a reality,” said Christine Devereaux, vice president of Companion Animal Advocates, a Bergen County nonprofit dedicated to help companion animals. “Prior to his death, Greg was aware that we had successfully raised the funds in order to purchase these masks. Unfortunately, the presentation to the EMS was made after his passing.”

Companion Animal Advocates has donated more than 160 sets of pet oxygen masks to emergency responders in Bergen and Passaic counties.

Photo: Gregory M. Antonetti, 57 — Courtesy of Mahwah EMS

Related: 'Passionate' Mahwah EMS Volunteer Greg Antonetti Dies

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