Annapolis (April 18, 2008) - County Executive John R. Leopold, in cooperation with H.E.L.P. ANIMALS (A National non-profit organization) and Chief David Stokes, announces that the Anne Arundel County Fire Department has been selected to receive specialized equipment that will allow emergency responders to deliver oxygen to pets rescued from burning buildings. The County Executive and the Fire Department will host a media event to demonstrate the capabilities of the masks on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Armiger Fire Station #30, 304 Mountain Rd., Pasadena. County Executive John R. Leopold will attend the event with his pet Labrador retriever, Dora, to allow members of the media to learn more about how the masks work. "These devices add another tool in our public safety toolbox that will help protect all of the citizens of Anne Arundel County, no matter how many legs they have," said County Executive John R. Leopold. "All too often, people have perished in fires attempting to rescue their pets. Since pets are often considered a member of the family, people will often risk their lives to save them. The Fire Department is committed to saving pets when possible and we never want the public to risk their own lives. Now, with the aid of these devices, our Anne Arundel County emergency responders will be able to deliver oxygen to pets rescued from fires and do more to resuscitate them," County Executive Leopold added. |
