Police Officer Heroically Jumps Into Chilly Bay to Save Injured Dog
An Atlantic City police officer is being hailed as a hero by dog lovers after he plunged into freezing waters to save an injured, drowning dog.
The rescue began when police received a report that a dog had been seen abandoned in a vacant lot in the Venice Park neighborhood on the afternoon of October 15. An animal control officer managed to secure the dog with a bite pole, but the tan and white Pit Bull mix broke free and ran off. That’s when Officer Matt Schmidt joined the animal control officer to help. They caught up to the dog in a nearby lot, but the frightened animal jumped into the water near a dock.
Officer Schmidt called for a rescue boat, but quickly realized it wouldn’t arrive in time to save the dog, who was now struggling to stay afloat against the cold current.
That’s when he decided to jump in after the dog. Bodycam footage shows the officer stripping off his uniform and gear before plunging into the water. He reportedly told colleagues, “I have to go if I want this dog to live”.
Schmidt swam out around 100 yards to get a hold of the dog and grabbed hold of the bite pole. He later told CBS3 news station:
“I was really worried that the dog was gonna tire out, so I just said if I want this dog to live I have to go. I didn’t realize how strong the current was until I got in the water. Getting to him wasn’t bad on the way back, the current was against me, and I only had one free hand.”
Schmidt talked to the dog, trying to get the dog to paddle in the same direction he was going. Eventually, they got back to shore where officers lended a hand. Schmidt can be heard saying, “He’s a very, very bad boy” after dragging himself out of the water.
The dog was brought to the Atlantic City Animal Shelter where he was treated and reportedly in good health. There is no news at present as to whether the dog has been adopted or his owners located.
Although people are calling Schmidt a hero, the 18-year veteran in the department and an avid dog lover, didn’t think much of what he did.
“Honestly, I was just trying to do my job,” he said. “I’m just glad I got to save the dog.”