They are instrumental in protecting and preserving lives at accidents, fires, natural disasters and even terrorist attacks.
Often overlooked is that they often risk their lives to save pets.
Last week, emergency personnel responded to two incidents in Greater Johnstown that involved rescuing animals.
On Thursday, firefighters revived dogs after a blaze ripped through a home in Brownstown Borough.
Although the owners weren’t home, firefighters were kept busy trying to extinguish the blaze and saving five dogs that suffered from smoke inhalation.
One of the dogs perished, but four were revived.
“It was a fantastic job done by the crews,” West Hills fire Chief Don Blasko told reporter Kelly Urban.
“The crews on scene did CPR on two of them, and it looks like one did pass.”
Many fire departments carry pet oxygen masks for such cases.
On Friday, 37 cats were seized from a dilapidated house in the Coopersdale section of Johnstown after a police report was made.
“The house was deplorable,” Leroy Palov, codes enforcement officer for the city, told our Mark Pesto.
“It reeked. You couldn’t even go inside without a suit on.”
The cats are being cared for at the Humane Society of Cambria County. The large intake has stressed the humane society’s resources.
“We need everything. Litter, food, money. We’re going to have to take some to the vet,” Jayne Korenoski, vice president of the humane society’s board, said.
“Our medical bills are probably going to double now. The care is going to double as well,” Jessica Vamos, executive director of the humane society, added.
The cats eventually will be made available for adoption.
If you are home when a disaster occurs, the American Red Cross offers these tips to keep pets safe:
• If it’s not safe for you to be in your home, it’s not safe for your pets.
• Include supplies for your pet in an emergency kit.
• Make an evacuation plan for you and your pets.
Pets can also cause fires, and the National Fire Protection Association estimates that 700 home fires per year are started by pets and wild animals.
The association recommends keeping pets away from stoves, candles, lamps and space heaters, and watch to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords.
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©2017 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)
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