Mt. Tabor Firefighters Now Have Pet Oxygen Masks

MORRIS TWP, NJ — The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department now has pet oxygen masks, thanks to a donation by Canine Company. The masks are used to help pets who have inhaled smoke from house fires.

“We cover 1/3 of the Township of Parsippany which means a lot of people and a ton of pets. Our service to protect life and property doesn’t just stop at humans. Most pets are treated like family and a loss can be devastating,” Chief Bryan Crawford said. “This oxygen mask kit gives firefighters an opportunity to save our 4-legged friends."

In 2017, Canine Company donated 69 sets of masks to first responders in 28 New Jersey towns across the state.

“Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company.“Our goal is to get these in to the hands of first responders wherever our clients live so they are ready to handle an emergency involving family pets,” she added.

The company also has provided first responders with more than 5000 "Pets Inside" decals to distribute to families in their communities. When affixed to the front door or window, the decals alert first responders that there are pets in the home. Decals are available to pet parents by going to the company's Request a Decal form.

With reporting by Deb Cappiello, Patch Poster. Image John Frando/Bakersfield Fire Department via AP