When Sgt. Brian Phair and Patrolman Travis Sodon responded to a call about a home fire, they were relieved to find no humans were trapped inside. But it didn’t take long for them to realize there were a few family pets who couldn’t escape, including a cockapoo on the second-story balcony.
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Wasting no time, Sodon jumped into action, searching for anything that would help get him up to that second floor. While he had no access to proper equipment, he didn’t hesitate to scale the side of the building to reach the scared dog!
The Atlantic Highlands Police Department released footage from Sodon’s body cam that day, which shows him moving scaffolding over so he can climb it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get him high enough to reach the dog.
Of course, Sodon doesn’t let that stop him! A former fire chief, who is down below spotting Sodon during his rescue mission, hands him a chair to stack on top of the scaffolding. Once he climbs onto it, Sodon is finally able to reach the pup and remove him from harm’s way!
According to the police department, the balcony was at least 15 feet off the ground, and Sodon had to carefully balance on the chair to keep everyone safe. This wasn’t an easy rescue, to say the least!
“I am happy to share the body-worn camera footage from this rescue, as it is a fine example of the extraordinary work that our first responders do on a day in and day out basis,” Chief Rossbach wrote on the department’s Facebook page.
Because of his heroic actions, the department will present Sodon with a “meritorious service award” in the coming weeks. After watching the footage, it’s safe to say this selfless patrolman more than deserves the recognition!
Watch the amazing rescue in the video below, and remember to share this story with your friends.
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