Bodycam: Dog Rescues Becoming a Specialty for Mich. Deputy

A quick-acting Macomb County Sheriff’s deputy who has been recognized in the past for his dog-saving efforts rescued a leashed canine just outside a burning east Macomb Township home Monday.

The incident began at 12:39 p.m. when the female homeowner called 911 to report a dryer fire that had spread to being a possible structure fire at a home on Brentwood Street, off of Fairchild Road north of Hall Road, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release. She placed the family dog on a chain leash outside before calling 911.

When deputies arrived, the woman was placed in a patrol car, and Deputy Eric McCombs realized the dog was still tethered to the home.

McCombs, 38, grabbed a leash from the vehicle’s front-seat and ran over the snowy ground to the side of the home, where the white-and -beige canine was chained, according to body-camera video released by the Sheriff’s Office.

As McCombs runs toward the dog, he can be heard in the video telling the canine, “I got you buddy,” “I see you,” and “You’re a good boy,” as the dog hops around in the snow. The animal initially hesitates at being leashed but quickly complies on the second attempt to leash him and runs with the sprinting deputy toward the patrol car parked in the street. The dog jumps climbs into the back seat on the woman’s lap as a Macomb Township Fire Department is seen arriving and its driver honks.

“The outstanding communication by dispatch and the quick actions of the MCSO deputies on scene ensured the safety of the two residents of the home and the family dog,” the release says.

“Deputy McCombs went above and beyond to secure this dog and ensure his safety,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a written statement. “He is a shining example of the selfless men and women who represent the MCSO.”