Department to Receive PETA Award

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesman, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us

Kaitlynn Kelly 202-540-2202; KaitlynnK@peta.org

The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department was notified today that they will be presented with the PETA's "Compassionate Fire Department Award" for a recent rescue of a kitten.

On October 8, firefighters from the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department responded to a call from a motorist in Beltsville after he heard mewing sounds coming from under the hood of his vehicle as he drove along U.S. Route 1 but couldn't find the animal when he pulled over and looked inside the engine. After 45 minutes, firefighters were able to coax out a small kitten, who appeared to be unharmed. One of the firefighters, who named the kitten Columbo because the incident happened on Columbus Day, took the kitten back to the station and later to his home.

In a statement released today by PETA, it stated, "For making sure that no harm came to little Columbo, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award."

"Prince George's County's bravest are also some of the county's kindest," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We hope the determination of these firefighters to save this tiny kitten's life will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need."

The fire department will receive a framed certificate, a letter of appreciation, a box of vegan chocolates, and a package of oxygen masks designed especially for cats, dogs, and other animals.

This is the second award of this type the Fire/EMS Department has been awarded.  In February of 2010 The Humane Society of the United States bestowed the Humane Civil Servant Award to the Department for a rescue of a dog out of a deep well.  Additional information about this Humane Award can be found by clicking here 

For more information, please visit PETA.org.


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