West Linn Postman Calls 911, Prevents House Fire, Saves Family Dog

WEST LINN, OR – A quick-thinking postal worker helped avert potential disaster at a West Linn home Tuesday morning, according to West Linn police.

When U.S. Postal Delivery worker Jared Hess made his daily delivery to a home on Coeur d’Alene Drive in West Linn April 18 he noticed something amiss: "As I approached the house I could hear the smoke alarms and a dog barking," Hess told Patch Wednesday morning. "I could tell right away there was something wrong."

Shortly after 10:30 a.m., Hess called 911 –– for the first time in his life, he said –– to report the potential fire and was greeted by West Linn police officers Brad Moyle and Sgt. Burv Corbin before he ended the call with dispatch. Corbin said the officers arrived within three minutes of the call –– the police station being just down the road from the home.

"(Hess') instincts told him to do the right thing," Corbin said, noting how the home's windows prevent a clear view to the interior. "It's that smoke glass –– no pun intended," he said.

Confirming the smoke nevertheless, the officers reportedly made their way in and were greeted by the home’s sole occupant at the time: Scooby the dog, a female golden retriever.

"You can imagine how the dog felt," Corbin said, empathizing with the pet who was then surrounded by men in dark clothing, smoke in the air, and overwhelmed by an incessantly screeching fire alarm. "Poor dog was beside herself."

Inside, the officers found smoke coming from a "red hot" metal pan that had been left on an active gas stove top, Corbin said. Moyle reportedly removed the pan and turned the gas stove off before contacting the home owner.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue personnel cleared the home of smoke while also ensuring there was no longer any fire danger, Corbin said.

According to Corbin, TVF&R crew members said the pan could have ignited a fire, potentially destroying the home and killing Scooby were it not for Hess’ quick response in calling emergency responders.

"I'm so glad the Post Office and (Hess) are getting some positive recognition for this," Corbin said. "They've got a tough job, and most the time don't get recognized for what they do."

When Hess returned to the post office, his superiors commended his actions, he said.

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