09/09/2026
🐾❤️ FEEL-GOOD STORY OF THE DAY! ❤️🐾
Yesterday afternoon, our Assistant Chief Didi Johnson was contacted by Gadsden County Animal Control about a family pet in distress at the bottom of an approximately 30-foot-deep dry well.
The family’s dog had been missing for nearly two weeks when a neighbor heard cries coming from underneath an old home. The dog’s owner crawled beneath the house to investigate and discovered his missing pup alive at the bottom of the well.
Midway Fire Chief Nathan Yarusso and Training Instructor Alex Arthur responded to Quincy to assist the family.
Once on scene, the Midway Fire team developed a rescue plan and went to work using specialized rescue rope, harnesses, and equipment carried on our Squad.
The rescue presented some unique challenges. Crews had to work inside an approximately 2½-foot crawl space beneath a very old home, with the dog trapped nearly 30 feet below them. After evaluating the structure and surrounding area, the team determined conditions were stable enough to safely begin the rescue.
Working carefully in the confined space, Yarusso and Arthur were able to lower rescue equipment into the well and safely secure a harness around the dog.
Then came the moment everyone had been hoping for. ❤️
The team slowly raised the pup approximately 30 feet back to the surface and reunited her with her family after nearly two weeks apart! 🐶🐾
Both Yarusso and Arthur have received training in animal rescue, and yesterday that training—combined with having the right equipment readily available—helped save a furry friend in need.
We are proud of our members’ willingness to respond beyond our city limits when called upon to assist our neighboring communities. The fire service is about helping others, whether they have two legs or four.
A special thank you to the property owner for all of the assistance and support during the rescue, and to Gadsden County Animal Control for trusting our team with this very special mission.
Best of all, the pup was uninjured and is now back where she belongs, enjoying some much-needed food, comfort, and love with her family. ❤️🐾
After nearly two weeks missing and 30 feet underground… she’s finally HOME!
🚒🐾 Great ending to a very special rescue.
