May 21, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 21, 2015
For more information:
Amy Styles
Young-Williams Animal Center
(865) 215-6668
(865) 437-6599
Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088
(865) 599-4051
Pair recognized for saving dog from house fire
Today, Young-Williams Animal Center presented a brick that will be installed on its Walkway of Life path that leads into the shelter in honor of two local heroes.
Young-Williams Animal Center honored Knoxville Fire Department Capt. Robby Copas and firefighter Jeff McSwain for the lifesaving care they provided Bella the boxer during a house fire on April 30. Pictured from left: Copas, Ariona Thomas, Julyan Thomas, Cherie Cuervo, Bella the boxer, Dr. Jen Armstrong, Jeff Ashin and McSwain.
Knoxville Fire Department Capt. Robby Copas and firefighter Jeff McSwain saved Bella the boxer from a house fire in North Knoxville on April 30.
“We felt it was important to recognize these two firefighters for the lifesaving care they provided to Bella,” said Jeff Ashin, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center. “There are so many people in our community who do great things for animals, including these rescuers, and individuals and families who adopt from our shelter and donate time and money to animal welfare organizations.
“We are grateful to be able to honor Robby and Jeff with a brick of recognition on our pathway.”
When Copas and McSwain responded to the call on April 30, they found Bella unconscious on the bathroom floor. Upon removing the dog from the house, the firefighters gave Bella oxygen and cooled her body temperature with water from a booster tank.
“It is our responsibility to save any living being in danger when we respond to calls,” Copas said.
“This time, it happened to be a dog, but the priority of saving her life never changed.”
Cherie Cuervo, Bella’s owner, thanked Copas and McSwain for their quick response and thoughtful care for Bella the boxer.
“Bella is my best friend,” Cuervo said. “I’m so thankful that they were able to respond to the call quickly and provide the care that was needed to save her life.”
Copas and McSwain appreciated the recognition from the shelter and the opportunity to reconnect with Bella.
“It’s so great to see her happy and healthy,” McSwain said. “We’re grateful to Young-Williams Animal Center for reuniting us with her and honoring us in this special way.”
Bricks for the Walkway of Life can be purchased for a $100 donation to Young-Williams Animal Center. Donors can honor a family member, a favorite pet or memorialize a special animal or person with an engraved brick. For more information, visit www.young-williams.org/donations/walkway-of-life/ or call (865) 215-6664.
To learn more about Young-Williams Animal Center, visit www.young-williams.org or check out Young-Williams Animal Center on Facebook.
About Young-Williams Animal Center
Young-Williams Animal Center reminds the community to please spay and neuter your pets.
The Young-Williams Animal Center is the official animal shelter for Knox County and the City of Knoxville. The center is a nonprofit organization, community-supported through public and private donations, that turns no animal away and is dedicated to the sheltering and placement of animals, general animal welfare, and public education of companion animal issues.
Young-Williams Animal Center is located off Sutherland Avenue at the entrance to John Tarleton Park at 3201 Division St. Young-Williams Animal Village is located at 6400 Kingston Pike adjacent to Deane Hill Drive. Both locations are open seven days a week from noon-6 p.m.
For more information about Young-Williams Animal Center, including detailed driving directions, call 865-215-6599 or visit www.young-williams.org.
