PETA Honors Santa Monica Fire Department with Award

On Wednesday morning, the Santa Monica Fire Department was honored by People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals at a ceremony at the Santa Monica Fire Station on Ashland Avenue.

PETA presented the department with a framed Compassionate Fire Department Award, a letter of appreciation and a box of vegan chocolates for its efforts in rescuing and reviving a boxer named Stella in an apartment fire on Sept. 14. Stella was also on hand to receive some love and a few doggie treats.

The department used a special pet oxygen mask to revive Stella and save her life.

"Santa Monica's firefighters are truly heroes because they don't consider their job done until all residents—both human and nonhuman—have made it to safety," said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA hopes the compassion and know-how shown by these firefighters will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need."

PETA encourages all animal guardians to place a sign on doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of dogs and cats. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own at home.