Hero of the Week! Oil truck driver saves dog in NH House fire

 This week's hero is a truck driver who happened to be driving in a neighborhood and saw a house on fire, so he pulled over and raced to the house to see if someone was trapped inside. He wound up saving a dog, and firefighters who arrived soon after saved cats from the home. 

(Max the dog, saved by Matthew Wrisley. Photo credits: D.F. Richard Energy)

Oil truck driver saves dog in Rochester, NH fire: 'What a courageous act'

By Karen Dandurant, Foster's Daily Democrat, Sept. 24, 2025 

ROCHESTER, New Hampshire — Matthew Wrisley, an oil truck driver for D.F. Richard Energy, is being credited with saving a family's dog in a fire that destroyed their home Sept. 23, 2026.

Michael LaPanne, operations manger for D.F. Richard, said Wrisley was driving by when he saw the mobile home on fire at 23 Royal Crest Park in the Hideaway Village neighborhood. He said Wrisley is shy and doesn't want attention for saving Max, the dog.

"He kicked in the door and saved the dog," LaPanne said. "He is kind of embarrassed by all the attention he is receiving. He said he just did it, and he would do it again, because it was the right thing to do. He said he just wants to go back to doing his job."

Max the dog was saved in a fire in Rochester by a D.F. Richard Energy oil truck driver. Dylan and Erin L'Heureux and their young son were not home at the time of the fire and they are safe. Their two cats were located by firefighters, given oxygen and survived.

Owen Richard, grandson of the D.F. Richard Energy's founder, Ray Richard, said the company is very proud of Wrisley.

Fire strikes a home at 23 Royal Crest Park in the Hideaway Village neighborhood in Rochester Sept. 23, 2025. Dianna Purves, a resident of 47 Royal Crest Park, said she witnessed the driver's heroics and talked to him.

"He could barely see Max’s black face in the front window," she said. "Took him a few tries to kick in that door. He coaxed Max to come to him because he couldn’t go in and he took him and went down to the end of the street just in case the propane exploded. Thankfully that didn’t happen. He waited for the owner to show up. He loves dogs. He has dogs himself. He even had a leash for Max so he could be safely walked to the owners' aunt’s house. I absolutely love Max and was very relieved to see him sitting in the D.F. Richard van. ... He was a hero. What a courageous act."

How to help family who lost home in fire

Kevin Brigham, president and board chair for Hideaway Village Cooperative, set up a fundraising effort to help the family: gofund.me/d8a735913.

Hero of the Week: 19-year-old who fell on third rail died trying to save girlfriend

This week's hero is a 19-year-old man who tried to rescue his girlfriend after she fell onto subway tracks in the Boston area. Unfortunately, when he jumped down on the tracks he suffered fatal electrocution. 

19-year-old who fell on third rail at Forest Hills station died trying to save girlfriend 

By Ross Cristantiello, Boston Globe,August 31, 2026

A 19-year-old who died after falling onto an electrified third rail at an MBTA (subway) station over the weekend was trying to save his girlfriend at the time, according to his family.

The victim was identified as Frankey Wright in a GoFundMe set up by a cousin.

The “tragic accident” occurred at the Forest Hills MBTA station on Saturday afternoon. “His loss has left a deep hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him,” the fundraiser reads.

A woman with Wright at the time, another 19-year-old, lost her balance on the platform at Forest Hills and fell into the “empty right of way.” Wright then attempted to help her and also fell into the “right of way.” He landed on an electrified third rail and was later pronounced dead. The woman was brought to a hospital for treatment, Transit police told Boston 25 News.

The two were reportedly carrying flags representing Caribbean countries as they traveled to Boston’s annual Caribbean Carnival, which was held in Franklin Park on Saturday.

Wright’s father, also named Frankey Wright, said that his son had never ridden a train before. Wright was going to attend the Caribbean Carnival for the first time, his father told Boston 25.

“Those closest to him will always remember Frankey as a noble boy with a big heart, someone who put others before himself even in his final moments,” his family wrote alongside the GoFundMe. The page had raised almost $6,000 as of midday Monday. The money will be used to “help give Frankey the good service he deserves and to honor his life with love and dignity.”

Heroes of the Week: Young men use frying pan to stop Somersworth, NH garage fire

This week's heroes are two young guys who were driving by an auto repair shop and noticed the outside cigarette receptacle on fire next to the building. If they hadn't stopped to put it out, the building likely would have caught fire. Here's to these two conscientious guys who thought enough to help and make the world a better place.  

(Photo: Preston Horton, left, and Blake Carter of Somersworth, seen Monday, Aug. 25, 2026, worked together using a frying pan to put out a fire at Central Park Garage Aug. 20. Credit: Foster's Daily Democrat)

Young men use frying pan to stop Somersworth garage fire: 'Right thing to do'

Karen Dandurant, Foster's Daily Democrat .Aug. 27, 2026,

SOMERSWORTH — Two young men acted quickly last week, extinguishing a fire at Central Park Garage, potentially preventing a much worse outcome.

Preston Horton and Blake Carter, both 21 and Somersworth residents, were driving around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, when they noticed the fire at the auto repair business at 470 High St.

They decided to turn around and go back to help. The garage is open weekdays and closes at 5:30 p.m., according to its listed hours.

"We were leaving Market Basket after getting subs for dinner," Carter said. "We were heading towards Walmart when I saw smoke in the air. Then I saw flames at a garage."

 "We did a U-turn," Carter said. "We saw the receptacle for cigarettes beside the building was on fire."

"At first I didn't really believe Blake, but we turned around anyway," Horton said. "It just seemed like the right thing to do. There was no one else around when we got there."

Horton said he runs a local junk removal business, while Carter works in landscaping, and both feel connected to the community.

"We try to do one thing good a day," Carter said. "Like if we see an older man at the dump, we will unload his truck for him."

A mini fire brigade with a frying pan 

The fire was not large, but it was burning strongly, they said. They called the city Fire Department and then tried to figure out what they could do themselves.

"We tried to find water," Carter said. "Preston found a water bottle. We ran around the building trying to find a spigot, and Preston noticed one on a nearby building. I went into the trunk of Preston's car, saw a frying pan, and grabbed that."

Central Park Garage at 470 High St. in Somersworth, seen Aug. 25, 2026, was the site of a smoking receptacle fire Aug. 20. The fire was prevented from spreading by two young men who put it out before it spread to the building.

The two men ran back and forth between the garage and the spigot until the fire was out.

"I got that pan off the side of road," said Horton. "I was planning on going camping this weekend and it would be useful. I refilled the water bottle for about 15 trips. Luckily the building did not catch on fire. I am not sure how long it had been going by the time we noticed it. The ashtray thing was melted."

The Fire Department responded in about five minutes.

Deputy Fire Chief James Drakopoulos said the department appreciates the quick action taken by the young men.

"They probably did help keep the fire from spreading to other parts of the building," Drakopoulos said. "We want to thank them for doing what they could to protect our citizens."

Because the fire seems to have started in the cigarette receptacle, Drakopoulos said, it's a good reminder to keep smoking containers 25 feet away from buildings.

"We would also remind everyone not to put themselves in danger from a fire," he said. "We appreciate what they did, but do not want to see anyone in harm's way."

A woman who identified herself as a manager at Central Park Garage said the business plans to offer Horton and Carter free oil changes to thank them. She said the owner, who is listed as William (Bill) Stowell, declined to comment for this story.

Heroes of the Week: Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit Rescues Boatload of 31 cats

This week's heroes is the Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit who responded to a call that many cats were living on an anchored sailboat

(Photo: Overhead view of the interior of a boat with wooden compartments containing approximately 20 cats, mostly black and black-and-white, sitting on top of and inside divided wooden structures with visible gauges and controls on the top panel. Courtesy of Tacoma Police Department)

Rescue effort underway to re-home 40 cats found on abandoned sailboat 

 Aug 10, 2026, Good News by Meghan Cook

On August 6, the Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit responded to reports of an abandoned sailboat anchored off the shores of Tacoma, Washington.

But the boat was far from empty. When they climbed aboard, the officers found upwards of forty cats and kittens.

“Many of the cats were frightened and malnourished, requiring patience, care, and a tremendous amount of teamwork from our members,” the police department shared on Facebook.

“They will be out there for most of the day continuing their mission, but we wanted to ensure we share this with our community as many have seen our members out on the water this morning,” the post continued.

“We’re proud of our Marine Services officers, Animal Control officers, and Forensic Technicians for their compassion and dedication — not only to the people they serve, but to every member of our community who needs a helping hand.”

By the following afternoon, 31 of the cats had been gently corralled into cat carriers and transported by boat to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.

“Unlike a normal case, we do need assistance with getting out there [by boat],” Cheri Page of the Tacoma Animal Control told KOMO News, a Washington outlet. “And then there’s the challenge of the boat itself, pretty close quarters, and because it is a sailboat there’s a lot of nooks and crannies for cats to hide in.”

Although many of the cats had fleas and lacked sanitary conditions, Page said that there were signs that a potential owner had been attempting to care for them.

“They have been clearly fed and watered, but they’ve been on that boat for some time,” she explained, noting that the cats had likely been living on the sailboat for months, if not longer.

One of the responding officers, John Correa, informed The News Tribune that the discovery had been quite the shock.

“The best way I can describe it is it looked like a Studio Ghibli movie,” Correa explained. “It was their boat, and they were all out and about roaming around on it.”

As of August 10, an investigation was still ongoing, and no arrests had yet been made. Correa told The News Tribune that their primary goal was to take care of the cats and ensure they were safe.

“People start with just a few cats, and they’re not spayed or neutered, and unfortunately they do what cats do — and make more cats,” Page said. “That’s why at Tacoma Animal Control, we really emphasize that you spay and neuter your cats and dogs.”

Heroes of the Week: Rochester Fire Department Saves Dog from Burning Home

This week's heroes are the firefighters from the Rochester, NH Fire deparment who saved a family dog from a burning home and administered oxygen. The dog happily recovered.

(Photo: Rochester Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Chesly Hill Road on Sunday. Aug. 16, 2026. Credit:  Rochester Fire Department ) 

Dog rescued from two-alarm house fire in Rochester, NH

Fosters Daily Democrat, Staff ReportUpdated Aug. 17, 2026, 3:45 p.m. ET

ROCHESTER, New Hampshire — Firefighters responded to a structure fire on Chesley Hill Road on Sunday, Aug. 16, one complicated by downed power lines.

At approximately 2:36 p.m., a good Samaritan stopped at the Gonic Fire Station to report a house on fire on Chesley Hill Road, the Fire Department reported in a press release. At about the same time, a 911 call was received reporting a fire at 260 Chesley Hill Road.

Engine 4 and truck 6 arrived on scene approximately three minutes later and found the front porch of the residence fully involved with fire, with flames extending up the exterior of the house and into the eaves. A box alarm was immediately requested, bringing first-alarm mutual aid companies to the scene.

After completing an initial 360-degree size-up, the first arriving engine company lieutenant determined that the fire had extended into the residence, the Fire Department reported. Shortly into the initial fire attack, crews encountered an additional hazard when an electric service line burned off the building and fell into the initial attack hose lines. Due to live electrical lines, crews were forced to redeploy hose lines from truck 6 and adjust their fire attack.

The shift commander arrived on scene and assumed command. Based on the fire conditions and the challenges presented by the downed, energized power lines, a second alarm was requested, bringing additional personnel and apparatus to the scene.

Firefighters conducted an interior fire attack while additional crews performed a primary search of the residence. During the search, firefighters said they located the family's dog inside the home. The dog was rescued and brought to safety, where firefighters administered oxygen. The dog was later transported to a local veterinary facility for additional treatment.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 3:15 p.m. Crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations and checking the building for any remaining fire.

There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters as a result of the incident. The home was determined to be uninhabitable, displacing two residents. The American Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced residents.

Mutual aid assistance at the scene was provided by Dover, Somersworth, Farmington, Milton, and Barrington Fire Departments. Station coverage was provided by Newington, Berwick, Lebanon, and Lee Fire Departments. While Rochester crews were committed to the structure fire, mutual aid companies covering both Rochester stations responded to three additional calls for service within the city.

The fire was investigated by the Rochester Fire Department. The area of origin was determined to be the front porch; however the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Heroes of the Week: Two local people save lives in Dover house fire

 Two people driving through a neighborhood in Dover, New Hampshire saw a house on fire, pulled over and got the residents out and to safety. These unnamed people are the heroes of the week.

(Photo: Heavy damage is seen from a fire at 12 Old Rochester Road in Dover Aug. 16, 2026. Credit: Deb Cram/Foster's Daily Democrat) 

Two local heroes credited with saving lives in Dover house fire  

Sarah Donovan, Foster's Daily Democrat , Aug. 17, 2026,

DOVER — The quick actions of two people who encountered a house fire early Sunday morning saved the lives of the residents sleeping inside, the Dover fire chief said.

At 1:34 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, all Dover Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched to 14 Old Rochester Road for a structure fire, said Dover Fire and Rescue Chief Brendan Driscoll.

"Upon arrival, crews were met with a large volume of fire showing from the front and the side of the building," the chief said.

The chief said the residents of the home were able to escape before firefighters arrived thanks to two people who noticed the fire while driving by. While one called 911, the other jumped out of the car and pounded on the front door to wake the sleeping occupants.

"The actions of the (passersby) saved the lives of the residents in that home," the chief said. "We are extremely thankful and proud of the two who first noticed the fire, notified 911, and worked to alert and assist the residents to safety," Driscoll said.

The chief said he'd like to know the names of the two local heroes so he can thank them personally.

Driscoll said on the scene, one resident was treated for a minor injury, but didn't need transportation to the hospital.

"No other injuries from residents or crews working the fire to report," the fire chief said.

Heroes of the Week: Waste workers help winner find binned €1m ($1 Million U.S;) lottery ticket in Italy

 This week's heroes are Italian sanitation employees who helped someone find a big winning lottery ticket they accidentally discarded in a store, when they thought the ticket was a losing ticket. Quickly the person learned it was the big winner, returned to the store to find the trash had been taken away. That's when heroes came to the rescue.

(Photo: Waste boss Roberto Nicola Toscano said the story was "nothing short of miraculous") 

Waste workers help winner find binned €1m lottery ticket in Italy

August 5, 2026 , BBC NEWS, André Rhoden-Paul

A lottery player who accidentally binned a €1m (£857,158) winning-ticket may be the luckiest person in Italy after refuse workers found the missing slip.

The anonymous player disposed of the ticket in a shop in Bitonto, southern Italy, after checking their numbers and being told it was "non-payable". The person only realised they threw away a winning ticket after a relative pointed out the numbers they always played had been drawn.

It sparked a two-day search through a "mountain of waste" which had been collected by a bin lorry, the head of the refuse company, Roberto Nicola Toscano, told Italian news agency Ansa."This story is nothing short of miraculous," he added.

Recounting the story, he said the mix-up happened because the "non-payable" message appears when the prize is too high to be paid out by the shop. When the player returned home, their family reportedly pointed out their favourite numbers - 2, 4, 8, 10, and 51 - had been drawn. "It was then that they realised the misunderstanding. So they all went to the shop together and discovered that the tickets had been thrown away and collected by one of our operators," said Toscano, director of SANB who handles waste collection in the area.

After the player made contact with the refuse company, the bin lorry was located before its contents were compacted for disposal."Luckily it was a Sunday, otherwise the load would have already ended up in landfill," the boss told Italian broadcaster TGCOM24. The truck was then escorted to a special site where the search began to find the "small piece of paper hidden in a mountain of waste".

Finally after a two-day search, the winning ticket was reportedly found by a waste worker on Tuesday morning, with the workers cheering as if they had won the prize themselves. "It was in a hole-ridden bag along with other damaged tickets: this was one of the few intact ones," Toscano told Ansa.

The cost of the recovery operation is set to be charged to the winner, who had previously signed a declaration promising to cover the search costs.

Toscano told BBC News that he was not authorised to reveal any details on the identity of the winner.

But the luck rubbed off - when Toscano and his colleagues bought a scratch card as a joke, they won €50 (£43).

Hero of the Week: U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani

This week's hero is U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, a federal judge who prevented the current administration's request to limit voting by mail. So many people in rural America, who can't get to polling places, or people who work long hours and care for their families rely on mail in ballots. Even the virus himself used a mail in ballot, yet he wants to remove that right from others. Fortunately, this week's hero blocked that ridiculous request to limit voting.

  

Judge again bars Trump administration from implementing order that sought to limit mail voting

AP News, August 11, 2026

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday ruled against President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to create a federal voter list and directly involve the U.S. Postal Service in election operations in a way that would limit mail voting.

U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani had already halted the order Trump signed in March, his second one attempting to set national election rules. On June 25, she sided with Democratic state attorneys general in granting summary judgment, preventing the core parts of Trump’s order from taking effect.

Tuesday’s ruling creates another legal hurdle for the Trump administration to overcome should it get the initial injunction lifted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“That it is now less than 90 days before the November 3, 2026 midterm elections underscores the critical need for an injunction to prevent Defendants from changing election rules on the eve of the election,” she wrote.

The Trump administration in late July requested that the Supreme Court halt lower court decisions that have blocked the sweeping changes in nearly half the country.

In the latest lawsuit, Talwani, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, sided with the League of Women Voters and other voting rights groups.

Her ruling granting a preliminary injunction barred the Postal Service from taking any steps to implement the order for this year’s midterm elections. She said the administration has so far declined to defend the constitutionality of the executive order.

Heroes of the Week: NH State Troopers Stop Car Exceeding 100 mph

This week's heroes are the New Hampshire State Police who were able to stop 2 teens who were speeding at dangerously excessive speed on an Interstate in southeastern New Hampshire.The driver was accused of driving 100+ mph and failing to stop for troopers Friday; and a passenger faces a possession charge.

 

Teens From Belmont, Mass., Charged After Chase With New Hampshire State Police On Interstate 95

Tony Schinella, Patch Staf, Sun, Aug 9, 2026

GREENLAND, NH — Two Bay State teens face charges after a chase with New Hampshire State Police on Interstate 95 on Friday night.

Just before 9:45 p.m., a trooper on the northbound side of the highway attempted to stop the driver of a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, “which was observed traveling more than 100 mph” in Greenland, according to a state police report. When the driver, later identified as Justin Jedry, 18, of Belmont, MA, was accused of refusing to stop, a chase ensued.

“(Jedry) exited the highway into Portsmouth, at which time the pursuit was discontinued in the interest of public safety,” the report stated. “Shortly after, troopers located the vehicle and again attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, and the pursuit was reinitiated.”

Troopers tried to stop the chase by blocking the vehicle, which resulted in minor damage to their cruisers.

“Ultimately, assisting Troopers deployed tire deflation devices, successfully concluding the pursuit,” the report stated.

Hero of the Week: EMT is dressing up as 'The Roanoke Raven' to save his city

As a superhero fan, comic book reader, and someone who tries to help others, there's a guy after my heart who took it further and in a way I really admire. One man in Roanoke, Virginia decided to become his own community superhero and help people whenever and however he can. He's leading litter pick-ups,  returning grocery carts, distributing water to people who need it, and more. His message is that anyone can do heroic deeds. 

An EMT is dressing up as 'The Roanoke Raven' to save his city: 'If it takes wearing a superhero mask to do it, let’s do it'

  Jul 16, 2026 2:08 PM, Good, Good, Good

One man is looking inward for inspiration, by rebranding himself as a real-life superhero: The Roanoke Raven of Virginia.

Although he retains his anonymity, the Roanoke Raven did share his backstory with local news outlet WDBJ-TV.

By day, he works as an EMT for a local fire department. But when he puts on the “Spider-Man” inspired stealth mask and goggles, he becomes the superhero that he believes the city needs.

“We live in a city where thousands and thousands of emergencies happen a day, and no one really talks about them,” the Roanoke Raven said in an interview with WDBJ7.

“There are people on the street right now, homeless and not having the ability to eat at night, and you’ve got people passing them that refuse to make eye contact with them. That’s the society we live in right now.” He said seeing those needs “lit a fire” in him.

“I think we can make the city a better place to live,” he said. “And, I think that if it takes wearing a superhero mask to do it, let’s do it.”

When he’s not leading litter pick-ups and returning grocery carts, the vigilante takes a light-hearted approach to his social media videos, sharing his childhood inspirations, like Spiderman, Superman, and Batman.

“Growing up, I didn’t always have a stable anchor to teach me all the things that I needed to learn, and often I felt like I always saw the world in a different way than others around me,” the Roanoke Raven told Good Good Good.

“I’ve always been an optimist, and I feel as though those three superheroes who I have loved and adored since I was a kid amplified that fire.” The self-made vigilante also uses his platform to raise awareness about critical issues in his community. “Let’s talk about water,” The Roanoke Raven said in a recent TikTok video.

“The entire pack of 24 cost me less than $5 at Kroger,” he said. “And yet, no matter how cheap or simple this item is, we still have over 42 million Americans that are suffering from water insecurity.” “That's not good for anybody,” he added. So, the Roanoke Raven decided to do something about it.

“Today, me — and one of the citizens from Roanoke that wanted to help me out — lent a helping hand,” he said. “We got together, and we gave away over 120 bottles of water to random citizens in the area and donated the rest to the Roanoke Rescue Mission.” “That means that 120 more people have the ability to have a drink and stay hydrated with clean drinking water for the day.”

But he acknowledged that his mission-of-the-day could only go so far.

“The problem is, drinking water is temporary, being hydrated is temporary,” he acquiesced. “All we did today was put a tiny Band-Aid on a large problem. So what I’m asking for is [for] you to help, too. It takes two dudes and $20 to get 120-plus bottles of water donations in the Roanoke Rescue. So imagine what we could do if we all worked together.”

As opposed to the crime-fighting superheroes and bow-and-arrow-wielding vigilantes made popular by comic books, the Roanoke Raven platforms small, simple acts that help everyday people without a fight sequence. And while he encourages more people to get involved, the spotlight stays on the action — not his identity.

“Bottles of water are simple,” he concluded in his video. “And it is in their simplicity that we overlook their impact. Everything helps, anything helps. So today, I encourage you guys to go out there and help your community like I did. Let's give some people some drinking water. And tomorrow, who knows?”

He signed off with his trademark “My main goal is to make Roanoke city work together. Something that I’m really proud of is how the project is inspiring the community.”

Heroes of the Week: Taos, New Mexico County Fire and EMS rescued from Taos Rio Grande Gorge

This week's heroes are the Fire and EMS crews from Taos, New Mexico, when they had to drop a rope line into a gorge to rescue a trapped pregnant woman who was hiking. The Rio Grande Gorge, located just 10 miles northwest of Taos, New Mexico, is a dramatic 50-mile-long, 800-foot-deep canyon carved by volcanic activity and the Rio Grande.  

(Photo: Rio Grande River Gorge. Credit:  newmexicoriveradventures.com/)

Woman, 28 weeks pregnant, rescued from Taos Rio Grande Gorge 

By Geoffrey Plant The Taos News

TAOS — Taos County Fire and EMS rescued an injured pregnant woman from a trail in the Rio Grande Gorge on Saturday, when drought conditions in part determined the nature of the rescue.

“What we would be able to do in a normal year is we would be able to float her down in a raft — that would be our easiest option,” said James Hampton, the Taos County fire marshal. “But because the water’s so low this year, we can’t float them down because the raft just basically bottoms out on the river and they have to basically carry the raft the whole way.”

(Photo of the Taos County EMS and Firefighters. Credit: Wesley Foote)

The fastest way for a rescuer to reach her, he said, “was to go over the edge and send a rescuer down on a rope.”

After the rescuer determined the woman had an injured leg and was unable to walk, he said, they made a call: “We’re going to have to bring her up over the side.”

Hampton said the injured woman was on a trail that would have created dangers for anyone trying to carry her out.

The rescue, from dispatch to ambulance, took about six hours. The woman was then taken to Holy Cross Medical Center.

(Video of the Rescue as filmed by Wesley Foote. Taos County Fire and EMS rescued a woman, 28 weeks pregnant, from the Rio Grande Gorge July 4, according to officials, who emphasized the nature of the rescue was partly determined by drought.  SOURCE) 

Officials did not release the name of the woman, who reportedly had been hiking to or from hot springs in the area when she suffered an injury.

Deputy Taos County EMS Director David Varela said the woman, who was 28 weeks pregnant, was expected to make a full recovery.

Hampton said the woman was located by her cellphone’s GPS signal in the gorge, a 600-foot-deep crack in the Earth’s surface that defines the Taos Plateau. Cellphone service is poor or nonexistent in the gorge.

“They had an SOS on their iPhone, and when they sent that, it sent to the Apple Center and then they forwarded that information over,” Hampton said.

“One thing I want to highlight,” he added, “is that the people that were with her, and the injured person, they made the absolute right call: As soon as they recognized they weren’t going to be able to get her out of there, they called 911 immediately.”

*************************** 

This story first appeared in The Taos News, a sister publication of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hero of the Week: Firefighters Rescue Man From a Connecticut River

It's summertime, and that means rescues on the water!  Firefighters from New Haven, Connecticut brought out the boats to rescue a man who apparently fell or jumped from a bridge into a river. One man who lives near the river jumped into action to help, too. 

(Photo: Rescuers pull a man to safety by the Ferry Street bridge. Credit: Ian Christmann Photo

Firefighters Rescue Man From Q River; Kayaker Races To Help, Again

by Laura Glesby, New Haven Independent, July 1, 2026

Rescuers pull a man to safety by the Ferry Street bridge. Credit: Ian Christmann Photo Ian Christmann was working from home on Wednesday afternoon when he and his son heard shouting from the Fair Haven side of the Quinnipiac River.

“We grabbed our binoculars [and] looked out the window,” Christmann said. Behind the fence lining the Quinnipiac River Park seawall, “it looked like someone was holding a jacket over the railing. And there was someone in the water trying to grab on.”

So for the second time in his life, Christmann raced over to his kayak, scooped up a few life jackets, and began to paddle to a person in the river trying to stay afloat.

Christmann launched the kayak from his neighbor’s backyard on the Fair Haven Heights side of the river. By the time he paddled across to the Fair Haven side, by the Ferry Street bridge, the New Haven Fire Department had arrived.

(Photo: Rescuers pull a man to safety by the Ferry Street bridge. Credit: Ian Christmann Photo)

At around 2:30 p.m., the Fire Department deployed 18 firefighters on two rescue boats to reach the man: a larger boat, Marine One, that typically stations in Long Wharf and a smaller boat, Marine Three, that’s located in Fair Haven.

The Fire Department’s Marine Three boat came to the rescue. It was the smaller boat, Marine Three, that was best positioned to navigate the river and reach the man first.

“They did a very good job at executing the rescue,” said Fire Chief Dan Coughlin. He praised Battalion Chief Wayne Vetre, who “made sure he covered all of his bases” by sending two boats with different capabilities to the scene.

According to Coughlin, the man — about 40 years old — had jumped off of the Grand Avenue Bridge. He may have been inebriated or otherwise cognitively impaired, Coughlin said; it wasn’t immediately clear what the circumstances were.

“Once he was in the water, he was having trouble staying afloat,” said Coughlin. “You get some really bad currents in that area.” After he was rescued, according to Coughlin, the man was taken to the hospital for “minor injuries.” Ascertaining that he didn’t need to assist, Christmann documented the rescue in photographs.

Heroes of the Week: Jessamine County firefighters rescued a dog trapped in a cave

If you've never been to Kentucky, it's known for having some really extensive and cool caves to explore, like Mammoth Cave in the south central part of the state. But there's another cave system (not part of Mammoth Cave) located north of there in Jessamine County (just south of Lexington).  That's where a beagle named Foxy fell into a cave and couldn't get out.

(Photo:  A fireman using a line brings up Foxy from the cave floor. Credit: Jessamine County Firefighters)

Firefighters Rescue a Beagle Trapped in a Cave

Jessamine Journal, March 24, 2026

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Crews with the Jessamine County Fire District rescued a dog trapped in a cave the morning of March 21, 2026 after a technical rope operation in a wooded area off Handys Bend Road.

According to an incident report, units were dispatched at approximately 10:45 a.m. March 21 to 2500 Handys Bend Road, Wilmore, Kentucky, near the Bluegrass Sportsman’s League, for a report of a dog stuck underground. Responding crews included Rescue 22, Engine 26 and Engine 23.

(Photo: It was a team effort to rescue Foxy from a cave. Credit: Jessamine County Firefighters)

Firefighters located the cave roughly 100 yards into the woods past a campground. Officials described it as a narrow vertical slot cave, about 35 feet deep and only a few feet wide at its largest point. It extends about 40 feet below ground.

Using a rope system anchored to nearby trees, one rescuer was lowered vertically into the cave to search for the animal. The dog, a beagle later identified as “Foxy,” was located approximately 35 to 40 feet below the surface in a tight chamber beyond the initial drop.

Crews said the rescuer was able to make contact quickly and coax the dog closer using voice commands and food. Once within reach, the dog was secured in a canine rescue harness provided by Jessamine County Animal Care and Control.

The operation then shifted to a haul system, allowing crews on the surface to raise both the rescuer and the dog safely out of the cave. Officials said the team navigated minor obstacles, including rock formations and debris near the entrance, during the lift.

A rescuer was lowered into the cave and found the dog approximately 35-40 feet down. Crews lifted the rescuer and dog out of the cave using a rope system. They say the dog appeared to be uninjured.

Hero of the Week: Fifth Grader Honored For Saving Younger Student's Life

This week's hero is a fast-thinking and observant student who was able to stop another student from walking in front of an oncoming car! 

(Photo: A fifth grader from Brooke Grove Elementary School was honored for preventing a distracted student from crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle.  Montgomery County Police Department)

MoCo Fifth Grader Honored For Saving Younger Student's Life 

A fifth grader serving as a safety patrol at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney was honored for life-saving action he took in March.

Gaby Arancibia,Patch Staff, , Jun 18, 2026

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A fifth grader who quickly acted to prevent a younger student from crossing in front of a car was honored at a School Safety Patrol ceremony.

Matthew Geiger, who serves as a safety patrol at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney, Maryland, carried out the quick-thinking save back in March 2026.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Ragina Ali said during the ceremony that Geiger was on patrol when he saw a distracted, younger student steps away from crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

"Matthew performed a life-saving action at one of your school's busiest areas," Ali said during the ceremony. "Recognizing the immediate danger, Matthew acted proactively by physically intervening and immediately extending an arm that blocked the younger student's path."

"He communicated the hazards, pointing out the moving vehicle to ensure the student understood the danger, and he maintained the holding until the vehicle came to a complete stop and it was safe to proceed," she added. Geiger not only received recognition at his school but was also presented with a medal. Ali said that Geiger was just one of two children in the nation to receive such an award.

Heroes of the Week: 2 Pet Goats Point to Trapped Homeowners After Tornado

Animals are amazing... This week's heroes are two pet goats of a family in Oklahoma, who pinpointed the exact location where their family was trapped in a storm shelter after a massive tornado dumped heavy debris on the storm shelter door.

Pet goats save trapped family after killer tornado with winds reaching 200 mph demolishes their home

People.com, April 2026 

After a powerful tornado barreled through Enid, Okla., on April 23, the Sloat family was trapped beneath the earth in their storm shelter under tons of debris when they were suddenly rescued — by their two pet goats.

Two pet goats, Percy and Penny, helped save an Oklahoma family by leading first responders to their underground storm shelter after an EF-4 tornado flattened the family's home in Enid, Oklahoma.

The animals continuously stomped and bleated over the hidden bunker, allowing rescuers to locate and dig the trapped family out.

The harrowing event unfolded when the Sloat family—along with two neighbors—took cover in their underground storm shelter just as the destructive twister tore through their neighborhood. While the people inside survived the storm unscathed, the destructive winds collapsed their house, piling tons of bricks, glass, and lumber directly on top of the shelter's entrance.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Nnn0DBFXHEY?si=f9Z5WKi-Or0xkPUl

First responders searching the neighborhood struggled to pinpoint where the underground bunker was buried under the debris.

The family's pet goats, which had miraculously survived the storm, proactively gathered on top of the rubble. By refusing to leave the spot, stomping their hooves, and bleating loudly, the goats caught the attention of emergency personnel.Rescuers followed the commotion and immediately began digging at that exact location.

The firefighter in charge later explicitly credited the goats with the rescue, telling the family they had no idea where the bunker was until the goats pointed them to the right spot

Hero of the Week: Food Truck Owner Rescues Flash Flood Victim

In June, 2026 a storm generated flash flooding around Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Fortunately for one driver who was caught in a flash flood, Miguel Morales was nearby and helped pull the driver in the submerged car to safety. Miguel is this week's hero.

(Photo: Miguel is working hard cooking. Credit: Miguel’s Tacon Madre)

ABOUT MIGUEL AND HIS BUSINESS - Miguel’s Tacon Madre is the name of the Food Truck owned by Miguel. It is a vibrant, flavor-packed trailer bringing the taste of Mexico straight to Cape Girardeau. From home made birria and handmade gorditas to bold, authentic salsas, this trailer serves Mexican street-food in the most traditional way. Located at 408 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701  (901) 277-1388   

Cape Girardeau man honored for heroic flash flooding rescue  

By Heartland News, Jun. 15, 2026

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The Cape Girardeau City Council honored a local hero at its Monday night meeting.

Business owner Miguel Morales received an official proclamation from city leaders for his service and dedication to helping others during a time of need.

Man rescues driver from submerged vehicle during flash flooding

On June 8, heavy rainfall in Cape Girardeau caused flash flooding throughout the city and surrounding areas.

During this time, a driver became trapped in a flooded vehicle, and Morales, who was working at his food truck, saw the emergency and saved the stranded individual--despite the dangerous conditions and rapidly rising floodwaters.

(Photo: One person was injured and rescued from a flooded vehicle on South Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, Mo.(KFVS))

On June 15, the city recognized Morales’s compassion, courage and public service, stating that “he demonstrated extraordinary bravery, selflessness and concern for the safety and well-being of a fellow community member.”

Community supports hero’s food truck after flood rescue The driver’s family also shared the following statement, thanking Morales for his heroism: “Thomas Beasley [the driver] and family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of the prayers and outpouring support. We will never be able to thank Miguel Morales, paramedics, EMTs, and the fire department enough for saving such a vital member of our family. If it wasn’t for Miguel, the last seven days would look a lot different. Mr. Morales showed true selflessness and bravery, not traits we hear about often in this day and age. He is an example of what we should strive to be. Forever our hero, from the bottom of hearts, thank you.”

(Photo:  Miguel’s Tacon Madre food truck)

Hero of the Week: Our Neighbor Cody for Catching Joey and Jimmy

This week's hero is close to home. Our neighbor Cody (yes, same name as our dog who passed in March) helped corral our 4 year old, recently adopted dogs, Jimmy and Joey who ran out of our house and down the street...

(Photo: Joey and Jimmy, the runners)

WHAT HAPPENED? Tom and I came home from grocery shopping, we opened our garage door to bring in the bags. There's a door in the garage that goes directly into our kitchen, so Rob walked through it holding 2 bags of groceries. Tom was sitting in the truck on the phone with a friend, wrapping up the conversation. That's when Jimmy and Joey slipped between his legs and ran outside to the driveway, looked for 1 second for Tom and dashed down the Street!!!

I was horrified and panicked. I dropped the groceries, grabbed their leashes and ran out after them. They wouldn't listen to "Stop" and for two little Dachshund/Chihuahua mixes, they ran like hell. We're used to Dachshunds or Dachshund mixes who are older than 10 years and have short legs... Of course it was 90 degrees outside, too. 

OUR HERO STEPS IN! -  Fortunately, our neighbor Cody, who lives across the street was in her car and was driving just in front of them to pick up her kids at the bus stop, heard me shouting at Jimmy and Joey. She quickly parked the car, got out, and was able to grab Joey (the bigger one who resembles a Dachshund) while Jimmy sped off the road and into the backyard of another neighbor's house because he heard their dog barking from in the house.

Cody chased after Jimmy into the backyard while still holding Joey, and I was finally able to catch up. We cornered Jimmy, and I snapped on his leash. Then leashed Joey who was in Cody's arms. 

I had to take a few minutes because I had an asthma attack from running, panicking and it was 90 degrees (yes, here in Maine). 

Once leashed, I thanked Cody perfusely, because if she had not been there and not stopped, the boys may have run the entire 1/2 mile of our dead end street out to the main street and I shudder to think what would have happened. 

LESSON LEARNED - NOW we have a GATE in front of the kitchen door to the garage and they can't get through it. Runners are scary. I'm just thankful for our local hero and neighbor, Cody! 

Hero of the week: Baltimore County police officer Flores rescues dog from roof

This week's hero is Officer Flores, a Baltimore County police officer who helped rescue a dog stuck on a roof in Dundalk, Maryland.

Baltimore County police officer rescues dog from roof in Dundalk

WBAL-TV,  May 13, 2026, Blair Young

DUNDALK, Md. — A dog was saved from a roof in Dundalk thanks to the bravery of a Baltimore County police officer on Tuesday.

According to police, officers responded to the 300 block of Pine Street after receiving reports of a dog stranded on the roof of a two-story townhouse and unable to get down. Police spoke with a neighbor who allowed them into their home to attempt to access the roof.

Officer Alex Flores climbed onto the roof through a rear window and was able to reach the area of the roof where the dog was. She sat on the roof and was able to calmly persuade the dog to come to her. She then safely secured the dog and members of the Baltimore County Fire Department safely assisted both off the roof.

Police said they believe the dog exited a second-story window and ended up stuck on the roof due to the steep incline. The dog will remain in the care of Animal Services until its owner can be found.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/A6Vff-yrwHs?si=nsCOldzHjc3YPA6r

Heroes of the Week: National City Firefighters Save People and 12 Puppies

This week's heroes are the National City firefighters in California, who had to save a number of people and a lot of dogs. Sadly, three of the 15 dogs didn't survive, but the tried CPR on them. It's hard to imagine corraling 11 puppies, 3 adult dogs and humans. 

(Photo credit: Fox 5, San Diego, California)

National City house fire leaves 3 dogs dead after receiving CPR, 12 puppies rescued

  by: Sharisse Cohee , Fox 5, San Diego, California, Mar 15, 2026 / 01:12 AM PDT

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A house fire in National City on Saturday morning left three dogs dead, while a dozen puppies from inside the residence were rescued, according to the fire department.

Crews responded to reports of a house fire around 11:03 a.m. Saturday, near East 13th Street in National City.

National City Fire Department Battalion Chief James Stiles told FOX 5 KUSI that units from San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista responded to the call.

According to Stiles, the corner of a house was on fire, which appeared to have been started from the outside. The fire spread to a shed on another property, but crews contained it to that area and prevented it from further spreading.

No residents or firefighters were injured, but Stiles says that there were a decent number of dogs in the house. He confirmed that three adult dogs passed away, and that crews were able to save around 11 puppies.

  

ABC News Local Video link: https://youtu.be/joqFG9TWJS8?si=sz1YaldFaM1hAaDW

Crews attempted CPR on the three adult dogs in the front yard of the house after it was confirmed that no residents or firefighters were injured.

“One of our San Diego crews switched over, and we do have the capability of doing some basic CPR on canines,” Stiles explained. “And they did try to resuscitate three of them.”

They attempted CPR on the canines for about 15 minutes, but they were unable to revive them.

San Diego resident Cynthia Plaza was in the area doing community work and just so happened to drive by at the right time. According to Plaza, the owner arrived and told volunteers and crews how many dogs were inside the residence.

“There was a major fire in this residential area,” Plaza explained. “We managed to get here just in time to see a dog come out on his own and go under the fire engine. That’s when we realized there was more dogs in there. We managed to get 11 puppies out.”

Units stayed on the scene for a little over five hours.

Stiles says that National City police are working with the Humane Society to make sure all the dogs and puppies are cared for and to assist the residents with the dogs that passed away.

Heroes of the Week: 3 Men saved and revived a Choking Man in a Restaurant

 A restaurant patron who was choking and  “turned gray from lack of oxygen,” was saved by three heroes who were dining at the time, jumped up to save him. That's the story of this week's heroes.

(Picture: The Capital Grille's Large windows in the bar area open out onto Boylston Street  Photo: https://www.wellesleywinepress.com/ )

Former Boston police commissioner, off-duty cop, firefighter, and restaurant partner save choking man 

 Quick action at the Chestnut Hill Capital Grille is credited with saving an 80-year-old diner on Easter eve.

By Morgan Rousseau,April 11, 2026, Boston Globe

Local off-duty first responders, the former Boston police commissioner, and a restaurant partner joined forces recently when an elderly man began severely choking while dining at a Chestnut Hill steakhouse.

The incident happened on April 4, the night before Easter, at the Capital Grille on Boylston Street, according to a Boston Herald report. An 80-year-old man collapsed when food became lodged in his throat, prompting his family to shout for help. That’s when a Boston police officer and a Newton firefighter, both off-duty, and former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross — all of whom were dining at the time — sprang into action.

The man had “turned gray from lack of oxygen,” according to the report. Gross told the news outlet that Patrolman Stephen Borne, who works out of Brighton, rushed to the man, along with Newton Firefighter Lt. James Trudo.

The pair got the man into a recovery position and struck him in the back to help dislodge the blockage. At that point, Chris Lynch, the restaurant’s managing partner, also came to help, according to the Herald report.

Lynch swept the man’s throat and was able to clear it, then Borne checked his vitals but could not find a pulse. He started performing chest compressions while Gross administered breaths, and Trudo communicated with on-duty dispatchers.

“You just revert to your training,” Borne told the Herald, while Trudo said, “instinct takes over.”

The man was successfully resuscitated by the time Newton Fire and EMS arrived, according to the report.

Gross called the effort teamwork and said he was “just happy they had a good Easter.”

Borne credited his training at the Boston Police Academy and the Red Cross, and called the outcome “the best case scenario.”

Trudo told the outlet that he felt “very lucky that I was in the right place at the right time.”

Bill Cormier, who administers the Facebook page Friends of William Gross, shared the story in a social media post, saying, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from Boston’s Finest! Thank you to both of them for saving this gentleman.”