Firefighters are some of the most important and courageous members of our society. Not only do they risk their own lives, but they are responsible for heroically saving the lives of others.
And while not all of their duties are life-or-death — as with these firefighters who created an American flag out of an old fire hose — much of their work is both serious and important.
Fireman Bill Lindler works for the Hanahan Fire Department in Hanahan, SC. One fateful day, when Bill noticed that flames were coming from a neighbor's home, he performed an act of heroism that not only changed his life, but also changed the life of one beautiful and incredible pit bull.
Scroll through below to see exactly what Bill did to save Jake the pit bull, and how Jake is paying Bill — and the Hanahan Fire Department — back today.
What do you think of this amazing fireman and pit bull duo? Let us know in the comments!
[H/T: The Dodo]
When firefighter Bill Lindler noticed a neighborhood garage with flames coming out of it, he immediately ran to help out.
He saw several dogs running from the burning structure, but spotted one little pit bull puppy, Jake, who wasn't able to get out.
Bill told the Dodo: "I saw one puppy trying to make his way out, when a piece of the ceiling fell on top of him. He started yelping, but he wiggled himself free and backed into a corner and cowered down."
Once it was safe to do so, Bill went in and rescued little Jake, who was extremely near death.
Bill said: "He wasn't moving. He wasn't breathing. I did mouth-to-snout on him, until we could administer oxygen."
And while Bill's efforts were successful, Jake's bumpy road wasn't over yet.
His owner's didn't come to claim him at the vet where he was being treated. So Bill did something incredible.
Bill decided to adopt the young pup as he recovered from burns caused by the fire. Finally, things were beginning to look up for Jake.
In fact, not only did Jake fit right in at home with Bill and his family, but he began to take a liking to the Hanahan Fire Department as well.
Bill told the Dodo: "Everybody was just thrilled to death. He's just the cutest little thing there is. Everybody fell in love with him."
Jake even began helping out when the department did community outreach, particularly with raising awareness about fire-prevention methods.
And before long, the Hanahan Fire Department made Jake their official mascot:
"I, Jake the Fire Dog, as the Mascot for the City of Hanahan Fire Department, do hereby promise to help make kids smile with my charming personality and help them learn about fire safety and what to do in an emergency situation. Through my endeavors, I will help to promote the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Hanahan Fire Department. No job is too big or too small where kids are concerned."
The "Oath of Office" is adorably signed with Jake's paw print.
Jake's burns have since healed and become scars, and he has become an important and active member of not only Bill's family, but the entire Hanahan community.
Bill told the Dodo: "Sometimes people ask about the scars, and when they do, I tell them Jake's story. I tell them that the scars are just his badge from being a firefighter."
Bill's brave and generous actions not only saved Jake's life, but gave Jake the incredible opportunity to help others as well. Bill's heroic deeds and generous heart are absolutely inspiring.
What do you think of Bill and Jake's story? Let us know in the comments.
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