Dog Rescuers to be Honored at Trenton Thunder Game

The Lawrence Township firefighters who helped will be honored, along with other emergency responders who took part in the rescue, during tomorrow’s (April 20) Trenton Thunder baseball game at Waterfront Park in Trenton.

Each Friday, as part of a program sponsored by , the Thunder recognize “Hometown Heroes.”

During tomorrow’s 7:05 p.m. game between the Thunder and the Harrisburg Senators, firefighters from Pennington, Hopewell, Union, West Trenton, Lawrenceville and Lawrence Road fire companies and Pennington First Aid Squad will be introduced to the crowd and one of the emergency responders will be invited to throw out the first pitch.

In related news People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced last week that all six fire companies would be receiving PETA’s Compassionate Action Award for saving the dogs.

"The compassion and heroism shown by members of these fire companies should serve as an inspiration to others always to help animals in need," PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said in a news release. "Hopewell Valley is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect both residents and their beloved animal companions."

PETA officials said all six fire companies will receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, and a tray of vegan chocolate chip shortbread cookies. PETA will also send animal oxygen masks to the Pennington, Hopewell and Union fire companies, which do not already have them.

Pet oxygen masks used by Lawrence Road firefighters were instrumental in reviving several of the dogs that were overcome by smoke during the fire. The masks were donated to Lawrence Road Fire Co. and to all three Ewing Township fire companies in January by the Humane Society in recognition of the four fire companies’ roles in saving a dog from a house fire in Ewing on Sept. 4, 2011.