Crime & Safety

Northport Firefighters Save Pup

Dog saved from Woodbine blaze by quick-acting neighbor and firefighters Thursday.

Leah is a 6-month-old pit bull.

And she’s still standing thanks to the quick work of the Northport Fire Department – and one intrepid neighbor. 

Fire crews rescued the dog from an apartment fire Thursday evening at 147 Woodbine Ave. Two people escaped the blaze at the apartment house unharmed, according to officials at the scene. 

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There were no injuries reported, but Leah the pit bull did require a dose of oxygen. 

“This is all I had on,” said soot-covered John Gannon, who was barefoot and only had a pair of cargo shorts. “I had to react.”

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After being rescued himself, Gannon ran into a neighbor’s apartment to get the dog. Northport Fire Department ex-Chief Wilbur Scherer found the animal hiding behind a door and pulled the pup to safety. 

Northport Fire Department First Assistant Chief Joe Pansini carried the dog from the burning apartment.

It was more than a second chance for Leah. 

She was recently adopted from the Hempstead Animal Shelter, according to owner Matthew Koris. He arrived after the fire was extinguished. 

Northport Police said three dogs in total were saved from the eight apartments.

The fire’s cause is still under investigation, Northport Police said.


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