A call for service in Boerne does more than dispatch our first responders. Often times there are hidden surprises they overcome as they pop up. That's what happened on October 26 when Boerne’s C-Shift firefighters were dispatched to a house fire.
Upon arrival, crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames, but that is when the family told firefighters one of their dogs did not make it out of the house.
Firefighter Xavier Garza and Lt. Gerard Silva began searching the smoke-filled home and found the canine, Jake, inside a bathroom.
“The dog was lifeless,” Firefighter Garza said. “I picked him up and with the help of Lt. Gerard Silva we were able to carry him outside.”
For nearly half an hour, the men, joined by firefighter Ryan Lynch and medics from the Kendall County EMS, performed CPR on the dog using customized masks that fit over an animal's muzzle.
During this time, a neighbor who happened to be a veterinarian arrived and also began providing assistance.
“Our crews never know what they are going to face when called to a housefire,” Boerne Fire Chief Ray Hacker said. “Seeing our first responders work together seamlessly and receiving help from a neighbor is truly what makes the Boerne community so great.”
All the hard work paid off and Jake the Labradoodle regained consciousness. He was taken for additional treatment to Herbst Animal Veterinary Hospital and has since been released back to his family.
Two of Boerne’s "first out" fire engines carry the customized animal breathing devices, allowing first responders the ability to treat animals injured during a fire.
The American Red Cross says it's best to keep pets near an entrance when you're away from home to help firefighters find your pet in the event of a fire.