Paterson Fire Department to adopt dog that had been tossed onto Great Falls ledge

Joshua Jongsma | NorthJersey

Show Caption Hide Caption Stranded dog is rescued at the Great Falls in Paterson A dog that was stranded at the bottom of the Great Falls in Paterson, is rescued on 08/12/18.

All seemed lost for a dog stranded on a ledge in Paterson after it was believed to have been thrown off a bridge, but it found its new home in the process.

The dog, named Paterson after the city he was rescued in, was retrieved Sunday near the base of the Great Falls. Once he finishes treatment at Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Paterson is expected to be adopted by Fire Company 2 and live at the Getty Avenue headquarters as its new mascot.

"We’re hoping he takes to us, he’ll be able to adapt to the firehouse life," said Capt. Scott Parkin, one of the department members who helped rescue Paterson. "The firehouse life isn’t the easiest, particularly for a dog. We get to go home and he’s here all the time with four tours of different guys with different personalities. Hopefully, he’ll be able to adapt to us."

Parkin lured Paterson into a net after rappelling down the Great Falls. He credited his colleagues Erik Diaz, Rob Zeidler, Mike Payne, Ryan Higgins, Dave Leporini and Jon Krehel with helping him complete the rescue.

Authorities believe Paterson was likely thrown off the ledge and stranded there for days.

Rescue: Firefighter rappels to base of roiling Great Falls, rescues stranded dog in Paterson

After the rescue, Paterson was taken to Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland. He was checked out by a veterinarian, and the pit bull mix was in good health. The dog had a collar but no tags when he was found and will be kept at the shelter for a week in case someone claims to be the animal's owner.

After that, the dog will be vaccinated and neutered before joining the Paterson Fire Department. In the meantime, Paterson made some friends at the shelter.

"He's the sweetest, happiest boy," said Fannie Laurita, animal welfare and social media specialist for the shelter. "His true personality comes through more every day.

"I was at the scene, and took him to the vet immediately following his rescue, so we have a special bond. He goes absolutely insane, wagging his tail and kissing me, every time he sees me. We love him."

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, awarded the Paterson Fire Department and animal control for rescuing Paterson. PETA offered a $5,000 reward for anyone with information about someone who may have thrown the animal off the bridge.

"Thanks to the quick action, technical expertise, and big hearts of Paterson first responders, this terrified dog was removed from a harrowing predicament and gently pulled up to safety and dry ground," PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien said in a statement. "PETA hopes this story will inspire people everywhere always to help animals in distress — and encourages anyone with information about whoever might have wanted this dog dead to come forward before anyone else gets hurt."

There hasn't been a firehouse dog in Paterson in about 16 years, Parkin said. He thanked Chief Brian McDermott for allowing a new pet.

"When he’s ready," Parkin said of the dog, "we’ll be ready for him here."

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com

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