Special Wreck Victims

Auto accident on Perdido Beach Blvd requires different set of skills.

The morning of June 11th 2011 started like any other day. The fire truck was inspected as usual, the firemedics made sure all the medical equipment on the rescue truck was ready to go. The engine bay was hosed out. Just another Saturday. Well... sort of.

OBFR was dispatched to Perdido Beach Blvd for an auto accident with a patient injured. Not an unusal call for the firefighters and paramedics of Orange Beach, or so they thought. Things changed a little when they arrived.


The driver of the vehicle was treated by the crews of Rescue 10 and Truck 1, then transported by ambulance to the hospital as usually happens. The difference is this driver's pets were in the car also.

A family member was called to come get the terrified dogs, and Battalion Chief Kevin Lanford did his best to comfort and soothe them while they waited. It's not everyday that firefighters are called upon to care for our four legged friends (despite the stereotype about cats stuck in trees), but every now and then our pets are impacted by the events of life just as we are, and they need care, too. Chief Lanford got a bottle of water from the cooler on the truck and let the little fellas drink out of his hand. One was skiddish at first but soon warmed up to his new human companion, while the other was as comfortable with Chief Lanford as he would be with an old friend.

All ended well, and the dogs got back to their family. We are proud we could care for ALL involved in the accident, and would like to give a special thank you to Batallion Chief Kevin Lanford for really going the extra mile.

And Chief.... would you bring the frizbee back, please?