Dog Rescued From Long Island Roof By Firefighters

EASTPORT, NY — No, it wasn't one of Santa's reindeer making an early appearance on an Eastport roof Wednesday: It was a dog named Fred who found himself stranded until a group of firefighters came to his rescue.

According to John Dalen, captain at the Eastport Fire Department, a call came in from Suffolk County police at 3:46 p.m. for an unusual request for an animal rescue.

Firefighters were dispatched and found Fred atop the roof of a house on Eastport Manor Road.

The homeowner said Fred sneaked out of the second-floor window and climbed onto the roof. The dog was unable to climb down and found himself stuck.

Firefighters locked a roof ladder in place and climbed onto the roof to rescue the pup. Saving Fred was a team effort: Ex-Chief Ed Schneyer and ex-Chief Ryan King reached Fred and firefighter Joe Dalen and ex-Chief Steve Schaffer assisted with bringing him down the ladder.

"Multiple other firefighters created a safety net in case Fred broke free from the rescuers," officials said. "Fred was in good spirits and friendly when firefighters reached him. He was brought down to ground level where he was reunited with family unharmed."