Dog Rescue

While this happened a week ago, I thought it would still be nice to pass along to all of you out there who follow us. Several good pictures are included. The below narrative was provided by Lieutenant Rick Triplett who was the Officer in Charge on Truck 735 (Milestone) which participated in the rescue.

A week ago, November 30, fire and rescue units were called to assist with a dog that was trapped in a metal drainage pipe. The dog was in a metal drainage pipe about 30 feet from the opening and was hung up on something in the pipe and the pipe was too narrow to crawl in to. The squad crew had measured in from the end to see how far in he was so they knew where to start digging. Rescue Squad 729 (Germantown) had started digging when we arrived and were down about 1 foot or so. We continued to dig when a guy said he had a small backhoe across the street.

We were able to get the backhoe into the scene and dig down 4 to 5 feet before it hit the pipe. We then used an air chisel, hydraulic spreaders and cutters to make a hole in the top of the pipe. The dog was about 4 feet from the opening and could not be reached. While we were discussing our options the dog stuck his nose out of the opening. At first he backed away when he saw strangers but a minute later he came out a little further and we were able to grab him and pull him out.

Go here to see several photos: MCFRS on Flickr

The crews were: Battalion Chief Witt was Battalion 705, Rescue Squad 729 was Lieutenant Randall, Firefighters Tatum and Palma, Aerial Truck 735 was Lieutenant Triplett, Master Firefighter Hardy and Firefighter Ocker.

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Fire Station 29 to Read Part of Mattie's book on Good Morning America This Morning

I wanted to make everyone aware that this morning at 0830 you can see members of our Fire Station 29 read part of Mattie's book on Good Morning America, ABC Channel 7.  Please also see a message from Mattie's Mom below.  This was a truly remarkable young man.

-Bill Delaney


Hello friends,

Am asking for your assistance and enthusiasm here. Please pass this info to folks in your email address book, your facebook page, your twitter followers, your co-workers, your church, your friends and relatives... everyone. This matters a lot to me.

This Monday, Nov 2, I will be on Good Morning America to release "Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs." This is not a book by Mattie, but the first book ABOUT Mattie's life! Early reviews of the book have been wonderful, and folks say they are left smiling, and re-remember why Mattie inspired us so profoundly with his words, his message, and his wit and wisdom. Dr. Maya Angelou penned a beautiful foreword for this book, which is available on online sites like amazon for pre-orders. And on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 7 pm, the book release event will take place at the White Flint Mall Borders Bookstore on Rockville Pike/North Betheda, MD. Please visit Mattie's website (www.mattieonline.com ) for info about the book and updated info about publicity.

Thank you so much my friends,

Jeni ("Mattie's mom").

Jennifer Smith Stepanek, Ph.D.

MDA National Vice President

Chair, Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation