Family Dog Rescued by Orcas Emergency Responders

Fire Department has warm heart, if not wet nose; they come to Maggie the dog's rescue. Pictured left to right: FF. EMT Robin Dyer, FF EMT Cameron Fralick, Capt. EMT Rita Harvey, Lt., Team Leader, EMT Rich Harvey, Nancy Wrightsman, Maggie, Anita Castle, FF EMT Rachel Harvey, EMT Gulliver Rankin.e

B y  Kevin K. O’Brien, Fire Chief/CEO

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue received a call for help at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 3rd to rescue an Orcas Island family’s dog stranded on a cliff in the Myth Road area near Rosario Resort.

Maggie, a 4 year-old Scottie dog, had fallen approximately 10 feet down a steep cliff behind the family home and was stuck in a blackberry bush on a rock ledge located over 70 feet above the saltwater.

OIFR firefighter/technical rescue specialists initiated well-practiced rope rescue operations and successfully rescued Maggie and reunited her with her owner and Orcas Island resident Nancy Wrightsman. OIFR member Rachel Harvey who is also a Veterinary  Technician for Dr. Ron Schuler performed an “on-site assessment“ and Maggie was determined to be in sound medical condition.

Incident Commander, Captain Chad Kimple said: “I am proud of the performance of our emergency responders. This was a real world test of our Technical Rescue Team’s capabilities and could have easily been a child.  The rescue techniques we used are the same.”

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team was founded in 2006 to provide rescue capabilities to address the unique rescue situations presented with our diverse island topography, vehicle entrapment, and other challenging incidents. Currently under the leadership of Lieutenant Rich Harvey, the OIFR Technical Rescue Team rigorously trains to maintain a high level of performance.

While Maggie’s rescue was underway, other members of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue responded to the Exton Road Area to assist an ill adult male who was evaluated, treated and determined to be medically stable.

Because of the many trails, properties, and other public areas near cliffs and hills, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue recommends exercising due care and caution while enjoying our beautiful island.