EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) – A Euclid firefighter is being called a hero after leaping into action to save a dog from a burning home despite being off the clock.
Dillon Harris, of Painesville, was driving with his family Monday afternoon when they spotted smoke coming from a home on River Road in Lake County.
“We were coming down River Road and my wife asked if the house was on fire. It looked like it was smoking,” Harris said.
He immediately pulled over and ran toward the house. Neighbors told him no people were inside, but a dog was trapped.
“The doors were locked, so we found a shovel next to the shed and forced the door open,” Harris said.
Harris, along with another passerby he still hasn’t identified, rushed into the burning home. They spotted the dog about 15 feet inside.
“There was a gate so it couldn’t get out. He opened the door, the dog ran out. He picked up the dog, everyone ran out,” Harris said.
The dog made it out safely, tail wagging. Harris credits the unknown Good Samaritan who stopped to help.
“I don’t know his name. I wish I did. It was someone else that drove by and stopped.”
Harris has served with the Euclid Fire Department for four years but said this was the first time he’s ever fought a fire while off duty.
After assisting until another fire crew arrived, he returned home to finish celebrating his son’s birthday.
“Honestly, it was the right place at the right time,” he said. “I’d be very thankful if someone did that for my dog or someone in my house.”