Firefighter Dangles from Helicopter to Save Dog From LA River

A firefighter lowered from a helicopter rescued a dog that was spotted floating down the rain-swollen Los Angeles River near Griffith Park today.

The dog, which appeared to be a yellow lab mix, was spotted about 3:45 p.m. near the Barham Boulevard overpass, according to Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

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It was later reported to be in the area of Memorial Drive and Forest Lawn in the Griffith Park area, he said.

Firefighters searched from the ground and air, and the dog -- swimming with its head above the water -- was spotted by a helicopter crew, Scott said.

A firefighter lowered from the chopper managed to pluck the pooch from the water, and both were deposited safely on dry land.

The dog was taken to a shelter and authorities were trying to locate its owner.

• City News Service
• Photo Credits: Twitter users Melissa Leu ‏@MelissaLeuand Mack & Miley Carter ‏@MackNMileyTweet