Captured on Bodycam Video: Atlanta PD Pulls Dog From Burning Building

VIDEO: Bodycam Captures Dramatic Rescue of Dog From Burning Building

Published January 24, 2018 by Danny Prater. Last Updated November 30, 2022.

2 min read

Harrowing bodycam footage from Atlanta shows a police officer rescuing a dog from the porch of a burning apartment complex. According to reports, several first responders worked to rescue the dog, now named Smokey, after he was discovered in extreme danger at the scene of the blaze earlier this month. While it’s unclear how—and why—Smokey was left alone at the complex in the first place, one thing is certain: He now has a shot at a happy life, thanks to the quick actions of authorities. Watch the dramatic bodycam footage now:

APD officers save dog from apartment fire
APD CARES: On the night of January 7, 2018, Atlanta Police Department officers in Zone 1 saved a dog from an apartment fire at Mayson Turner Rd. and Joseph E. Boone Blvd. Below is body camera footage obtained from Officer Robert Winkler. He quickly pulled the dog to safety and Officer Austin Denninger carried the dog away from the fire. Officer Markevis Holloway then contacted APD’s Animal Cruelty Liaison Senior Police Officer Amy Soeldner for assistance at the scene. SPO Soeldner wrapped the dog in her coat while Grady EMT Jesse Johnson provided him with oxygen. The dog was resuscitated and turned over to Fulton County Animal Services for an overnight stay at a veterinary hospital. The dog has now taken on the name “Smokey” and is available for adoption. Information on how to adopt Smokey here: http://bit.ly/2DjWaKyWe are so incredibly proud of the compassion and love our officers showed for this animal, thank you. We also thank the firefighters with Atlanta Fire Rescue and Grady’s emergency responders for helping save Smokey.#Respect #BestandBrightest #AnimalLovers #AdoptMe #RescueDog
Posted by City of Atlanta Police Department on Monday, January 22, 2018

On its Facebook page, the City of Atlanta Police Department announced that Smokey is at a local shelter, where he’s up for adoption and looking for a loving home. More information about Smokey is available from the LifeLine Animal Project at Fulton County Animal Services.

Dramatic bodycam footage shows Atlanta police rescue dog from fire at abandoned apartment. The dog, who's been given the name "Smokey," has been placed up for adoption. https://t.co/wpiGxYlqkI pic.twitter.com/oxwIjvMQ71
— ABC News (@ABC) January 23, 2018

Keep your animal companions safe in the event of a fire.

There are steps that you can take to ensure that every member of your family is accounted for in the event of a fire (or other catastrophe)—both before and during an emergency. Here are some ways to help protect animals:

Donate animal-sized oxygen masks to your local police and fire departments. For animals pulled from a blaze, a mask can be the difference between life and a painful death. Check to see if your local authorities already have animal oxygen masks—if they don’t, consider raising funds to give them this lifesaving equipment.
Have an animal emergency kit readily available. The kit should include a harness and leash or a carrier as well as bottled water, food and water bowls, dry and canned food, and a copy of your animal companions’ medical records. If you have a cat, have litter and a small litter tray ready to go.
Place PETA’s emergency window stickers near your front and back doors and on side windows in case a weather emergency or fire strikes when you aren’t home. These stickers will alert rescuers to animals in your home who need help. Or you can make your own signs. Hang them in a visible spot to alert first responders that animal companions are inside your home.
If possible, keep your animal companions safely secured with a leash or in a carrier during the evacuation process, and ensure that they’re always wearing identification. Current ID tags will help increase the chances that they’ll be reunited with you if they flee during an emergency.

For large-scale emergencies—such as hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters—consult our handy guide:

Will Your Animal Companions Be Protected in a Fire, Hurricane, or Other Disaster?