Firefighters Honored for Rescuing 18 Dogs Trapped in Hot Trucks

Four Howard County firefighters were honored Thursday for their quick efforts to rescue 18 dogs they found trapped on a hot day in two U-Haul trailers.

At about 3 p.m. July 22, fire officials heard that more than a dozen dogs were locked in the back of a truck that was at a northbound I-95 rest area.

“Upon arrival, they found 15-20 dogs that appeared in severe distress,” according to a press release.

Captain Vincent Baker sprung into action, asking for misting fans and cooling fans that had been used during the heat wave to immediately help the animals.

Then, with the help of animal control, firefighters rescued the dogs, all of which were taken to a veterinarian for care, officials said.

Those honored Thursday were:

·      Captain Vincent Baker

·      Heavy Vehicle Operator Josh Hummel

·      Firefighter Max Payaggapandha

·      Firefighter Gamaliel Baer

Two people were cited with 18 counts of animal cruelty and neglect, according to Howard County police. Their names were not immediately available Thursday.

Police said those cited were traveling from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, with the dogs in two U-haul trailers.

Of the 18 dogs rescued, 11 were humanely euthanized, five were adopted and two are available for adoption, Howard County police said.

The dogs up for adoption are named Sky and Layla, and information on how to adopt them can be found here and here.