Golden's Bridge Firefighters Save Mischievous Pup From A Tight Spot

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Firefighters in Golden's Bridge are being credited for saving the holidays for a family whose furry friend found himself stuck under a deck while they were busy decking the halls.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

Maybe this canine was chasing a squirrel, or he just wanted some quiet time, or perhaps a little attention. Or maybe Sully was paws-itively just having a ruff day. Whatever the reason Sully got stuck under the family home’s front porch, the Labrador needed help from emergency first-responders who are known more for rescuing felines from trees than canines from tight spaces. The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department responded to the unusual 911 emergency call late last Saturday afternoon. When they arrived at the residence on Lois Lane, they found Scully in a precarious position.

"The homeowners were beyond grateful that we responded and spent as much time as needed to rescue their lab," said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo, who added, "We assessed the situation and came up with a solution to rescue the canine without damaging the wrap-around porch."

1st Assistant Chief James McManus, along with Golden’s Bridge firefighters Lt. Doug Orlovitz, Lt. Saurabh Mehta, Ray Baker Jr., and Hannah Weigert teamed up to free Sully by digging up a shrub and cutting a hole in a section of the wood lattice that enclosed the space under the porch. The rescue attracted quite a crowd, as curious neighbors gathered around the front of the house to see what all the fuss was about.

The dog-gone truth – no one figured out how Sully got stuck under the porch in the first place. But even Sully agreed that the Golden’s Bridge firefighters who helped him out of a tight spot deserved a round of a-paws. Word is, Sully and Golden’s Bridge firefighters are now friends fur-ever.

"Sully was super-excited when he was reunited with his family – jumping on his owners and our firefighters, licking faces and wagging his tail. We were glad to help," said Fire Chief Melillo, noting that this emergency response was a refreshing change of pace.

"We don’t always have to be running into a burning structure, or responding to a vehicle accident, and administering medical care to someone in distress, or removing a downed tree blocking a local road, to make a difference in the day of a community resident. Our amazing volunteer firefighters respond to all types of emergencies that make an impact in small and big ways. Keeping people safe and helping them in their time of need is a rewarding experience," said Fire Chief Melillo, who used the emergency response as an opportunity to focus on the department’s efforts to attract new volunteers to the firefighter ranks. "If you have a passion to help others and to serve your community, training is free and provided through the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. We’d love to have you as part of our family!"

He encouraged residents to stop by the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse on any Tuesday at 7 p.m. to meet firefighters, observe them in training drills, and fill out a membership application. You can also visit the Golden's Bridge website to apply online.