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Thank L.A.’s dog-saving firefighter, Joe St. Georges!
By Gina Spadafori
January 23, 2010
This morning I started the day drying my eyes after reading Liz’s piece about her wonderful dog Riker. It never fails to amaze me how big a difference an animal can make in our lives, never more so than the animals who do therapy work, whether it’s dogs like Riker, or horses in a therapeutic riding program, or a resident cat in a nursing home whose job is to sit on laps and purr.
They all contribute so much, and thinking about that just made me happy.
And then, I opened my e-mail, and found crap from haters who 
are demanding that “our tax dollars” not be “wasted” on animals. In particular, they’re referring to the dramatic rescue of the dog from the flood-swollen Los Angeles River. Firefighter Joe St. Georges was lowered from a helicopter, wrestled with and was bitten severely by the terrified animal — but would not give up. Instead, he changed his grip to get the dog’s mouth facing out, and then signaled for them to be lifted together out of the raging water.
Folks, that’s a hero.
Yes, I’m a little biased in this regard. My brother Pete’s a firefighter, and he’s a real stand-up guy. He and I don’t always get along that well (politics, LOL!) but I have always respected and admired him for his work, and his contributions to our family and his community and church. (Public service runs in the family: My brother Joe is a high school teacher and dedicated coach of football and softball.)
So … when I opened my mail and found a load of crap from shitheads who sit on their asses and do nothing to help anyone but can’t wait to dish out the hate, well, something just snapped.
I did something very unlike me: I started a fan page to thank Joe. St. Georges on Facebook. That’s totally dorky, but I don’t care.
You can add a comment there, and I’ll make sure he sees it. Or here, ditto. And let’s flood him with thank-you notes!
Joe St. Georges
LAFD Fire Station 114
16617 Arminta St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406.
The haters don’t want their tax dollars “wasted” on animals. My tax dollars count, too, and I want them to support our public servants, the firefighters, police officers and others who risk their lives for us all. And by all, I mean animals, too!
Here’s a link to the video of the rescue, and more.
Now, go thank a firefighter!
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The people that are upset about tax dollars being ‘wasted’ on animals can take comfort in knowing that many times animal rescues are a excellent way for departments to ‘practice’ in order to be better prepared for a human rescue. I am so glad this dog was given a chance to get out of that river and hopefully live a life of love and comfort.
Comment by Sarah — January 23, 2010 @ 10:09 am
Now that I’m a LITTLE less fired up, I have to say, once again, that hate-mailers are so stoopid. They complain to the pet-care writer about how filthy, worthless and disease-riddenly disgusting animals are, and how brain-dead animal-lovers are.
And they expect me to do WHAT with this? Go, “OMG, you’re so right! I’m going to kill all my pets, sell my house, quit my job and start hating animals, too! I fact, I’m going to drive around the country with an old-van and a bullhorn and spread the word of pet-hate! Yes, because of your e-mail!”
I mean, seriously, what’s wrong with these people? I wish they would turn off the computer and go see a therapist.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 10:25 am
I saw this video yesterday, and then (as now), I felt profound gratitude to Mr St Georges for his commitment to saving this dog. Clearly the dog was terrified with the helicopter nearby, turbulent water, and being restrained by a stranger. Mr St Georges clearly wasn’t going to give up, despite the dog struggling and biting.
I thank you, Mr St Georges, for your courage and kindness in saving this frightened dog. This is the kind of act that restores our faith in humanity.
Since “thank you” doesn’t seem adequate, I’m also making an online donation (in Mr St Georges’ honor) to SPCAL.A. https://spcala.com/donate/donation.shtml after learning the shelter is seeking emergency donations (article here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.co.....tions.html )
Comment by karen — January 23, 2010 @ 10:39 am
I forget what I had written about, but I got an e-mail from one of the haters, scolding me for wasting space on animals when there were so many problems facing people. I wrote back asking why he thought it was impossible to care about both. Huh. No response. Probably his head exploded at the concept.
Comment by Kim Thornton — January 23, 2010 @ 11:00 am
It’s so great that Mr. St. George saved this dog. And I like the idea of a facebook page for him too. He along with the other wonderful people that care for the well being of helpless pets deserve to be honored. So Cheers to you Mr. St. George and Thank you.
On another note, I don’t get why people would send you animal hating e-mails Gina. They are twisted. Poor you having to sift through all the rubbish. Be strong.
Comment by sandrafx — January 23, 2010 @ 11:02 am
The piece that brought tears to my eyes this morning was on Gwen Cooper’s blog. (see it here http://gwencooper.com/blog.php) Gwen is owner of Homer the Blind Wonder Cat, but this was about Homer’s lesser known sister Vashti, who she describes as the glue who holds the family together.
Animals are part of our family and no less deserving of rescue as humans. And as Sarah says, if nothing else, it is great training for rescue personnel to rescue animals.
Comment by Cathy — January 23, 2010 @ 11:17 am
Just watched the video. Dear god. My heart is still pounding.
Comment by Christie Keith — January 23, 2010 @ 11:18 am
I watched it last night on the news - jawdropping - reaffirms the goodness of people - Fireman Joe is a special gem and what a wonderful expenditure of tax dollars - thank you Gina for the uplifting post….kind of a pun there…try not to let any negative-emails get you down - because you’re a gem too.
Comment by mary frances — January 23, 2010 @ 11:48 am
And of COURSE the haters are spamming this post. Dirtbags: Eff off. Your hate will NOT see the light of day here, so don’t bother. Take your pathetic hater selves somewhere else … preferably therapy.
As Kim noted above, there’s no reason why people can’t care about animals AND people.
Hard concept to grasp for haters who don’t do anything except sit on their asses and spew bile on their computer screens, I know.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 11:52 am
Cool video from this morning’s Today show. Firefighter Joe is doing great!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 11:52 am
I do not begrudge any animal a rescue when it can be done. A struggling, unpredictable animal presents the perfect opportunity for a real time training exercise where skills can be sharpened and experience gained.
What the short-sighted morons that object to tax dollars being “wasted” here fail to realize is that if the dog was left in the flood channel, eventually some human whose heart is greater than his/her swimming skills would jump in and try to save the dog. Then there would be two victims and if there was a resulting human fatality the Fire Department would be crucified. The crews were already standing by at the river in just-in-case mode, so it’s not like a human was left struggling in the water while this rescue was going on.
Woo Hoo and a huge HooRah for FF St. George and the L.A. City Fire Department for doing the right thing in such a dramatic fashion. You guys are heroes!
Comment by Dutch — January 23, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
We’re already at 300 fans on Facebook! Thank Firefighter Joe!
http://www.facebook.com/#/page.....382?ref=nf
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
To date, no one has said to my face that I am wasting my time and talents volunteering with / for animals.
If someone ever does, I think I will just ask them where they volunteer.
When people know they are coming from a weak position, that’s when they pull the taxpayer card. For some kind of credibility. I like to say my tax dollars pay for the lightbulbs on mile 73 of Highway 101.
If I had a dime for every comment in the CNN stories on Haiti orphan rescues … “Hmph! Why are they going down there to adopt? Why don’t they adopt from the US?”
People.
Comment by Mary Mary — January 23, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Thank you sir for saving those who need to be saved, regardless of how many paws they have. We could not be more grateful.
Comment by YesBiscuit! — January 23, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
Those same “haters” hate other people, too. Maybe they’ve never known the companionship and love of an animal… or another human being. Sad, really.
Thanks to St. Georges and his fellow public servants for all they do, not just in floods and disasters, but every single day. Risking their lives to save others and property.
Comment by Moira — January 23, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
I get so sick of hearing about the pet haters…but then again, I feel sorry for them for never having known the love and companionship a pet can give you.
I saw the video and held my breath; so thankful that this dog was being saved.
A BIG HUGE HEARTFELT THANK YOU to Firefighter and lifesavor Mr. Joe St. Georges! YOU ROCK and all the people that were involved ROCK!
Love my dogs and my cat (1 100+lb GSD mix, 1 50lb Boarder Collie mix, 1 50lb mix of something and one big fat long haired kitty) - they’ve saved me when no human could.
Keep on Keepin on!
Comment by Lisa - the dog lover — January 23, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
Thanks Joe for doing what God commanded Adam to do when he told Adam to keep the Garden, the first man was instructed to care for, earth and all the creations God put there for us to enjoy. “animals”… animals were created for our enjoyment, pleasure with the thought of God that we would care for and love them.. Lizzie, Lebanon Ohio
Comment by kindness to animals — January 23, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
Srsly. I could understand the outrage (sort of) if Joe had plucked an animal off the brink and left behind a person, but he didn’t. He saved a life, and should be commended for doing so. I hate that my tax dollars go to pay for bombs that kill children. So?
Most people I know that volunteer their time and money for animal causes also give generously to people oriented charities.
Comment by schnauzer — January 23, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
When the story first aired here, I turned it off immediately because the sight of a terrified dog struggling in a flood wasn’t something I wanted to see. I had to see the story *again* to understand that this was a heroic rescue. Bravo to Joe the Hero, and brava to Gina for starting the FB group, which is already up to 650 fans!
Comment by David S. Greene — January 23, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
I don’t understand why some people would get their panties in a bunch over saving a dog from a life threatning situation. Kudos to the LAFD AND firefighter Joe for helping an animal that was in danger.
Mahatma Gandhi said “You can judge a society by how they treat their weakest members.” so maybe those “haters” should leave our animal loving scoiety!!
Comment by Bloggie — January 23, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
We hit 1,000 fans on Facebook and we’re still climbing! And I’ve had fun vaporizing the pet-haters from the moderation queue all day. Bite me, haters!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
And I’ve had fun vaporizing the pet-haters from the moderation queue all day. Bite me, haters!
********************************************
You go girl!
Comment by sandrafx — January 23, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
My father and family farm owners taught me that the way you treat an animal, dogs and cats included, is probably how you will regard life, and treatment of people in general. The God of Judeo/Christian beliefs even gave right instruction in regard to the treatment of live stock. Thanks to Firefighter Joe St. Georges, and the pilot for their exempalary example.
Comment by Mike Copper — January 23, 2010 @ 6:32 pm
The firefighter doesnt blame the dog so why all the hate-mongers feel they need to come out of the wood-work is beyond me…
Gina, keep on vaporizing!
http://www.washingtonexaminer......25537.html
“Joe St. Georges, a 25-year Los Angeles Fire Department veteran, said he received a “real bite in the thumb” but was otherwise feeling fine.
He said he had no hard feelings toward the dog.
“I didn’t really have the time to establish any rapport with the dog,” St. Georges told reporters after being released from County USC Medical Center. “He’s cold, he’s wet, he’s scared, and then here’s this stranger jumping on his back for all intents and purposes, and he did what dogs do.”
Comment by Sandi K — January 23, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
Just added my $.02 on FB in support of Mr. St. George. Now I hope L.A. doesn’t make his incredible effort at rescue come to naught by euthanising the dog if it’s owners don’t turn up.
Comment by Anne T — January 23, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Anne, I doubt that will happen, the article I just posted above indicates they’ve been flooded with calls to adopt the dog.
Comment by Sandi K — January 23, 2010 @ 6:41 pm
Geesh, I must be going crazy, that part was in the link posted above with the video..it said
“Shelter officials said many people have called to ask about adopting the rescued dog, but they also mentioned many animals are in need of a home.” sorry for any confusion
Comment by Sandi K — January 23, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
Also I have to say, these haters dont want their tax dollars wasted on an animal but yet its been very clear from the Haiti disaster that dogs are playing one of the most important roles there are in search & rescue and pulling some people out that may have otherwise died. Im willing to venture a guess that if one of these animal haters were about to be rescued by one of these dogs, they might not be thinking their tax dollars had been wasted when their own neck was about to be saved.
Comment by Sandi K — January 23, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
LAFD Firefighter Joe St. Georges just sent me an e-mail: “I’m humbled at this expression of gratitude. I really don’t think I did anything any other firefighter in Los Angeles City Fire wouldn’t have done. So, on behalf of all the LAFD men and women, Thank You so very much for everything.”
:)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 23, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
I gladly signed up as a fan on your page. This man is a hero, and those who don’t realize that those tax dollars also come from people who understand the value of animal companions, should take a second look at what animals do for us. I can’t tell you how many times I have been amazed at my therapy dog’s ability to make sick, frail, or disabled people smile and want to participate in events or gatherings. One woman, ill for over a year with depression and other problems who spent the entire year in her apartment, seldom coming out except for doctor appts., came to see my dog do a few tricks. By doing that, she met some of her neighbors, and started enjoying her evening meals with them! My dog was a shelter pup. You never know which dog will do what great thing for a human being…and people like this firefighter know it. A real hero.
Comment by Anne S — January 23, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
OH GINA! How exciting! I’m all tingly!
Comment by Christie Keith — January 23, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
I’m so glad you did this, I posted a link on our Villalobos Fan Page … what a great guy and I just love that he didn’t shoot the dog or something crazy for biting him. I held my breath the whole time he had him….now that’s a hero.
Comment by Becky — January 23, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
What the pet haters don’t realize is that this is likely a training session gift for the firefighters, and probably costs about the same as an actual training session for multiple crews to take part, or perhaps a lot less. If a frightened dog can successfully be saved, the lessons learned then can be applied to that vastly inferior species Homo sapiens when in similar circumstances.
Comment by Anne T — January 23, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Gina, thank you for starting this. It’s a fun thing to get a cgance to thank these great caped crusaders. Every firefighter I have ever known has been a kind, caring person. They go way out of their way to make life better for so many others. Having been cloely connected to Jerry’s Kids and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I have seen over many years how selfless firefighters truly are. With no fanfare they quietly have spent their much-needed off-time to visiting disabled kids in MDA summer camps around the country. And their ability to “pass the boot” in fundraising is second to none! God bless you, Joe. And pass this on to all your buddies at your station, okay?
As for cops, well that’s a different story…
Comment by Thomas Cole — January 23, 2010 @ 9:56 pm
It’s just teh Dark Side of teh InterWebs, Gina. Just hits teh Delete Key!
Comment by mountain kimmie — January 24, 2010 @ 12:35 am
We got 2,200 fans in less than 24 hours — and still more joining all the time. Plus, we’re trying to get the name of the helicopter pilot, to thank him, too!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 24, 2010 @ 9:38 am
I have a theory about “the haters”. I think that some people can not tolerate an open heart. That tender place that gets touched when we read stories like this one… that weepy / smiling feeling connects to a world of hurt that some people can’t be with. They protect themselves with nasty mail and and hateful thoughts. They deserve our love and perhaps need it more than all of the beings that it is so easy for us to love.
I Love the haters.
Comment by Laurie — January 24, 2010 @ 9:43 am
The fan page is anything but dorky, it is a wonderful tribute to a true hero. Thank you for creating it, Gina. I joined it, and send a thank you note to Mr. St. Georges. And what Laurie said about the haters is so true.
Comment by Tina Clark — January 24, 2010 @ 10:49 am
Hi everyone. I still can’t tell you how impressed and humbled I am with the outpouring of gratitude this event has started. I know everyone involved in the rescue is as humbled and overwhelmed as I am. They have told me so.
As for me, I’m doing well. The thumb will take a few weeks to heal- he did get a really good hold on it. There won’t be any nerve damage, but it won’t look the same as before I went in the river either :-}
I have been reading the posts talking about making a donation to some charity. I’m sure that all my fellow firefighters would feel honored if anyone contributes to their favorite charity in our name. If you feel the need, the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Widows and Orphan’s Fund will be equally honored by any donations you care to send. Please don’t take this as a REQUEST for donations; but if you want a suggestion, that would be mine.
I hope everyone has a great day and Go Saints!!
Comment by Joe St. Georges — January 24, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Thanks, Joe, for dropping by in person! And thank you for the great suggestion on the donations.
Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund
http://www.lafra.org
815 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 259-5289
Heal up quickly, and I’m sure glad there won’t be anything worse long-term than a scar. In the hunting-dog world, we call those “honorable” scars — and yours surely is!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 24, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
I’m really glad the dog was saved and that Joe’s hand will heal - but… if fire fighters are going to start saving animals (and I would love to see this, BTW) it would probably be a good idea for them to get some training on handling terrified, aggressive animals.
Mr. St. Georges could have been injured much worse than he was and the dog could have been hurt too. Maybe the fire department should explore doing some cooperative training with animal control?
Comment by Janeen — January 24, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Great Job !!! Thanks Joe - Every life is precious!
Comment by Debbie — January 25, 2010 @ 9:01 am
I just wanted to say Thank You to Joe and everyone involved in this rescue.
The FB page was a great idea.
Comment by Kathy — January 25, 2010 @ 11:09 am
Comment by Janeen — January 24, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
I didnt think firefighters are “starting” to save animals, havent they been doing it for a long time now?
Comment by Sandi K — January 25, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
Joe, thank you for your courage, tenacity and love of dogs. You are a hero and a role model!
Comment by Lyn deMartin — January 25, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
THANK YOU JOE….IT’S ONLY PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR HAVING SUCH A WONDERFUL HEART.
Comment by arlinda pena-houston, texas — January 27, 2010 @ 10:35 am
Joe, love, love, love your hero actions. I don’t know what I would do if that was my best friend Baylie in the river. You made my day and most of all, melted my heart. I’m sure there are millions of people across the nation that feel this way!!!!! I think you should adopt vernon (or at least the station you are at) if no one claims him :-)
Jeanne -
Comment by Jeanne Boyer-Tellez — January 27, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Thank You, Joe,
As I watched the rescue I thought of the Bible verse Matt 25:40- which states in part “as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Thanks for caring even for a lost scared dog. Truely reminds me why I have always admired and respected the fire dept and all of its firefighters
Comment by Kathy — January 27, 2010 @ 1:12 pm
The dog’s owners have come forward: http://latimesblogs.latimes.co.....river.html
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 28, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
And the LAFD crew visits the Ellen DeGeneres Show:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/?m.....reURL=true
Great clip!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 28, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I just saw Joe and the LAFD crew on the Ellen show, it was great and they all have a great sense of humor!
Comment by Sandi K — January 28, 2010 @ 7:04 pm
We have almost 5,000 fans on his Facebook page now … that really makes me feel good. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — January 28, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
first thing i did was go to the facebook page and thank him, thank you gina for starting the fan page, can’t thank you and MR. St. Georges enough!
Comment by albert lemus — January 28, 2010 @ 11:14 pm
Congratulations, Joe and Crew on a successful mission! It does cheer all of us up, to see that poor dog rescued, and obviously he was not easy to hang onto. Thanks for hanging in there. :-)
My cat approved of this message.
Best wishes!
S. Sommer Seattle, WA.
Comment by s sommer — February 3, 2010 @ 11:54 pm