Connect with us

Police/Fire/EMS

Hero Dogs of 9/11: The Search-and-Rescue Dogs Who Worked at Ground Zero

Published

2 weeks ago

on

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, more than 300 search-and-rescue dogs worked tirelessly alongside firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams at Ground Zero. These dogs searched for survivors, human remains, and personal belongings, while also providing vital emotional support to exhausted responders.

Apollo, an NYPD German Shepherd and the first rescue dog on site, faced some of the most dangerous conditions at Ground Zero. During a search through the rubble, Apollo was briefly engulfed in flames, and his fur caught fire. His handler, Officer Peter Davis, reacted immediately, brushing away the embers and ensuring Apollo was safe so he could continue working.

Despite singed fur, smoke, and debris, Apollo pressed on, relentlessly searching the wreckage. His bravery under extreme conditions earned him and all Ground Zero dogs the Dickin Medal, the highest honor awarded to animals for courage. Apollo’s determination not only saved lives but also inspired the firefighters and rescue teams working beside him (AKC).

Riley, a Golden Retriever handled by Chris Selfridge, became one of the most enduring images of Ground Zero. A now-iconic photograph shows him being lifted by rope over twisted wreckage—eyes calm, body steady—a powerful symbol of unwavering duty in the face of disaster.

But Riley did more than search. He comforted. When rescue workers were overwhelmed, Riley would curl up beside them. When the weight of loss became too heavy, he offered quiet understanding and a steady presence—a soft head to lean on amid the devastation.

Bretagne, a Golden Retriever handled by Denise Corliss, also worked at Ground Zero and later responded to other major disasters. She became a national symbol of dedication and resilience, honored by firefighters across the country (AKC).

Roselle, a guide dog, led her blind handler, Michael Hingson, and others safely down 78 floors of the North Tower, demonstrating extraordinary calm and courage in the face of danger (National September 11 Memorial & Museum).

Trakr, a German Shepherd handled by James Symington, is credited with locating the last living survivor pulled from the rubble, Genelle Guzman-McMillan, nearly 27 hours after the towers collapsed (FEMA).

Handlers and firefighters also worked tirelessly to support the dogs’ well-being. Because many dogs were trained to find survivors and instead encountered loss, responders sometimes staged “mock finds” to maintain morale. Mobile veterinary units treated injuries, dehydration, and exhaustion, while firefighters cleaned paws, fitted protective booties, and ensured the dogs received proper rest (AVMA).

The dogs, in turn, supported the humans around them. Well-known dogs such as Cowboy and Bretagne offered companionship and emotional comfort to weary responders, forming a vital mutual bond that helped both humans and animals endure the grueling conditions at Ground Zero (Smithsonian Magazine).

Together, these search-and-rescue dogs and guide dog demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and teamwork. Their tireless efforts saved lives, recovered cherished belongings, and provided solace during one of the most devastating moments in modern history.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images Plus                Photo Courtesy: AKC Family Dog Magazine                                  (APOLLO)                                                                    (RILEY)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Conduct Proactive Credit Card Skimming Inspections Across Village

Published

2 hours ago

on

January 20, 2026

By

HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — The Haverstraw Police Department, working in partnership with investigators from the Rockland County Intelligence Center, conducted a proactive operation Tuesday aimed at preventing fraud and identity theft within the community.

The operation took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and focused on businesses with publicly accessible credit card machines. Detectives and Community Resource Officers visited all gas stations in the village, along with numerous convenience stores and other retail locations where skimming devices could potentially be installed.

Using specialized skimming detection equipment, officers inspected more than 130 credit card machines throughout the Village of Haverstraw. Police reported that no credit card skimming devices were found during the inspections.

“These proactive inspections are about staying ahead of criminal activity and protecting our residents and business owners before they become victims,” said Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould Jr. “We will not sit back and wait for crimes to occur or for our residents to be victimized.”

Chief Gould emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and advanced technology in preventing financial crimes, thanking Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco for helping make specialized detection tools available to police departments throughout the county.

By using these tools, Chief Gould said, local agencies can take meaningful steps to deter fraud and prevent crimes before they occur.

Business owners who would like their credit card machines checked for potential skimming devices are encouraged to contact the Haverstraw Police Department at 845-354-1500.

Continue Reading

Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland County Sheriff Dispatchers Help Deliver Baby Girl During 9-1-1 Call in Spring Valley

Published

1 day ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — A Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division dispatcher helped guide new parents through the successful delivery of their baby girl during an early-morning emergency call on Sunday, January 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 20-year-old expectant mother went into active labor at home when the baby began to arrive before first responders could reach the scene. At approximately 4:31 a.m., the baby’s father dialed 9-1-1 and reported that the infant’s head was already visible.

James Sheridan, a Radio Operator I with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division, immediately took the call and calmly coached both parents through the delivery process. Following his instructions, the parents were able to safely deliver their daughter moments before police and emergency medical personnel arrived.

Spring Valley Police Department officers, Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps, and Rockland Paramedic Services arrived on scene approximately six minutes later. The newborn baby girl and her mother were transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where both were reported to be doing well.

Sheriff’s officials praised Sheridan’s actions, noting that he and all county radio operators are highly trained Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs), certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Dispatchers regularly assist callers during a wide range of medical emergencies, providing critical instructions until help arrives.

Officials congratulated the new parents and highlighted the incident as an example of how teamwork between dispatchers and first responders helps protect and serve Rockland County residents.

Continue Reading

Trending