On Friday July 13th, Station 227 was one (1) of seven (7) fire departments called to the scene of a vehicle over a 150’ hillside at the intersection of Grove Rd at Lincoln Rd. A PHPD Officer slid down the hill prior to rescuers arriving on scene in an attempt to check on the status of the driver. Once responders arrived on scene, two (2) rescuers from St.227 proceeded over the hillside to make contact with the victim and the PHPD Officer. When rescuers made it down the hillside they found that everyone was in good condition. They also discovered the operator of the vehicle had his 100+ lb. pit bull “BOSS” with him.
With about fifty (50) firefighters on scene, they set up multiple complex rope rescue systems. All equipment was utilized from 227RQ. While this was taking place, rescuers were faced with an added degree of difficulty. How to safely bring up “BOSS”. With all of the training the PHVFD goes through, rescuing a canine was over looked. Crews were able to adapt equipment on scene in order to safely secure the canine and the rest is history.
After the incident was over, administration officers from 227 saw the need for a K-9 rescue harness. St.227 turned to social media for assistance, and almost immediately Cindy Lippert and the Lifesavers Animal Rescue Inc answered the call. They started a “Go Fund Me” event for two (2) canine rescue harnesses (Small & Large). 11 Hours later, we reached our goal of $400.
The amazing thing is that people kept donating after we reached our goal. That extra money allowed us to expand on our own version of a “K-9 Rope Rescue Kit”.
•Rock N’ Rescue K-9 Rescue Harness (Small)
•Rock N’ Rescue K-9 Rescue Harness (Large)
•Rock N’ Rescue Large Storage Bag
•K9 Muzzle (Small)
•K9 Muzzle (Medium)
•K9 Muzzle (Large)
•Nylon Chewy Bone
•Adjustable Collar
•8ft Leash
•Collapsible Water Bowl
•Blanket
These specialized harnesses will be available to ANY agency that would need them. In the coming weeks, members of St.227 will undergo training with all this new equipment.
Thank you to everyone that donated, and a special thank you to CINDY LIPPERT and the Lifesavers Animal Rescue Inc. for spearheading everything.
Please go over to Lifesavers Animal Rescue Inc. page and give it a “LIKE” & “FOLLOW”. If you are looking for a dog or cat, think about adopting. Their page has all kind of information on dogs that are looking for a forever home. Here are a few links to all the stories.
https://www.lifesaversanimalrescue.net/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeSaversAnimalRescueInc/
‘Everyone Has A Soft Spot For Animals’: 2 Dog Rescue Harnesses Donated To Penn Hills Fire Dept.
https://triblive.com/local/pennhills/13930982-74/group-raises-nearly-500-to-buy-dog-rescue-harnesses
