Atlantic City officer shares story after heroic rescue of injured dog
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The police officer in Atlantic City who braved chilly water to rescue an injured dog is sharing his story.
Video aired earlier this week on Action News showing Officer Matt Schmidt's heroic effort.
The reportedly abandoned dog, who had a limp, escaped from animal control and jumped into the bay near Venice Park.
READ MORE | Video shows NJ officer braving bay waters to rescue injured dog
The dog was swimming with the catch pole around its neck.
Officer Schmidt called for boat assistance, but no one responded quickly enough.
"I was really worried that the dog was gonna tire out, so I just said if I want this dog to live I have to go," recalled Schmidt. "I didn't realize how strong the current was until I got in the water. Getting to him wasn't bad on the way back, the current was against me, and I only had one free hand."
The dog was treated and is said to be in good health.
