Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/ice-chihuahua/

Firemen never know what they will encounter on each call but proceed with the same level of commitment and service. – Byron Pulsifer

Firefighters come to the rescue of anything under the sun.

Most of the time, it is people whom they save from fires and other dangers. They are also the heroes who brave wildfires and storms. Other times, they rescue birds stuck in trees, cats trapped in walls, and other animals in peril.

What will the world do without these unsung heroes?

South Haven Area Emergency Services Faces More and More Challenges This Pandemic

From 2020, there has been an increase of 10% in emergency responses by South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHEAS) which serves the townships of South Haven, Casco, and Geneva.

Fire alarms increased from 701 to 788. Medical emergency calls from 1,730 to 1,804. SHAES had also extended assistance to other fire departments and emergency medical services in more than 100 incidents.

In 2021, one civilian fire-related death was recorded. There were also a couple of incidents where a responder suffered injury in the line of duty.

“Our call volume showed a significant increase in all areas,” said Brandon Hinz, SHAES executive director. “Even with the continued hurdles from the pandemic, our staff remained committed to providing quality service to our residents and visitors.”

Excellence in service and professional commitment were the reasons why Matthew Dey was honored as Firefighter of the Year.

Model Firefighter Rescues Missing Chihuahua that Fell into an Icy Pond

Just before 2 pm, SHAES received another call to rush to a pond at the back of the Church of Latter-Day Saints on 73 1/2 Street in South Haven Township.

A chihuahua had fallen into the icy pond and the caller was worried that it might drown.

Matthew Dey quickly boarded Rescue One and donned a cold water rescue suit on their way to the site. He swam toward the dog and was almost near it when the thin ice broke under the chihuahua and it disappeared underwater. Dey acted fast and grabbed the dog, taking it safely back to the shore and to a veterinary clinic.

The owners were so happy to learn about the rescue of Sasha, their 12-year-old chihuahua. She had been missing for days and they had been searching for her in vain.

Yes, be it a person or an animal, firefighters like Matthew Dey will perform their duty with the same level of commitment and service.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog