A Greenwood, Arkansas, police sergeant, identified as Sgt. Trent Cowan is being credited with rescuing a dog that had become trapped in an underground drainage ditch, according to a video report from 4029tv. The incident occurred on Wednesday, when the sergeant rappelled into the manhole to retrieve the dog stuck in the storm drain.
Sgt. Cowan is credited with freeing the animal, which was unable to climb out of the drainage system on its own, the station reported. Video of the rescue shows Cowan descending through the manhole opening to reach the dog, as is often standard procedure in such situations.
The station’s report did not reveal how officers were alerted to the trapped animal or how long it had been stuck before Cowan reached it.
Cowan brought the dog, described in the report as a puppy, named Dolly, back up through the manhole. The report did not include additional information on the dog’s medical condition after the rescue or whether an owner had come forward.
Trapped-animal calls are common for police and fire agencies, particularly involving storm drains and drainage systems, which can pose navigation hazards for animals that enter them. While possible for human beings to enter and exit, animals usually get stuck when they accidentally enter such spaces, and have to be rescued using personnel or equipment, if not both.
Rescuing animals from confined spaces is among the highest-risk calls for emergency crews. Operating in dark, narrow areas with low airflow and limited equipment, responders must manage frightened or injured animals that can turn aggressive. Authorities report multiple instances of crew members being injured on scene.
Greenwood is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, located in the Fort Smith metropolitan area. The Greenwood Police Department serves the city and the surrounding areas.
Due to the absence of public information regarding the incident, further details, such as the condition of the dog or how police were first alerted to the situation, remain unknown.
Disclaimer: Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.
