Heroes in Fur: The Incredible Rescue of 46 Dogs by Police and Firefighters

Video footage captured by body cameras worn by first responders shows the incredible moments when police officers and firefighters risked their lives to save dozens of dogs from a raging fire at a nearby business in New Jersey. The brave first responders sprinted into the Fairfield Luxury Pet Hotel, trapped inside by heavy smoke that billowed from the burning building. A total of 46 dogs were found inside, all of which were later accounted for and uninjured, thanks to the heroic efforts of police and firefighters who stopped at nothing to get the pups out.

One officer, Stacy Chiarolanza, described the scene as “a little bit of everything.” “We carried the smaller dogs, but we also found a bunch of leashes inside,” she said. “We were able to leash dogs to get them around to the back.” For a brief moment, one dog was missing, but thanks to a storybook finale, one of the cops walked out with the dog in his arms.

Graham Clarke was just closing up his workshop around the corner on Saturday night when he saw the fire and knew he had to help. He called 911 and corralled the dogs outside before they were taken to another pet facility and eventually reunited with their families.

The pet hotel’s co-founder expressed his gratitude to the police officers, firefighters, and Humane Society team members who saved their furry guests during a stressful situation. Emergency protocols put in place by the pet hotel all came together and led to quick and decisive action that kept everyone safe. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by the fire marshal.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Chiarolanza. “We know this could’ve turned out worse. I had four of my officers go in without their breathing apparatuses, and risked their lives to save these dogs. They won’t call themselves heroes, but we all know they’re heroes.”