Brave Rescue at the Bay: Officer Dives into Cold Waters to Save Injured Dog

A police officer in Atlantic City, New Jersey, bravely jumped into the cold bay to help an injured stray dog this month. In October’s midday heat, animal control officials were summoned to a barren property near Murray Avenue and West Riverside Drive to investigate a tan and white pit-bull limping. The puppy appeared abandoned and probably injured, triggering the immediate response.

As officers tried to trap the dog with a catch pole, the startled animal ran across the neighborhood. The pole temporarily coiled around its neck before it escaped and ran toward the bay. Responding Officer Matt Schmidt rushed out of his truck and stripped his uniform to wade into the bay’s cold waters instead of waiting for backup by boat. He guessed he swam 100 yards to approach the animal, whose vigor was diminishing as the current forced it further from the shoreline.

He expressed haste, stating that a boat would not arrive in time. I must leave to save this dog.” Schmidt encouraged the dog with a bite stick as they reached safety, according to witnesses and body-camera footage. After reaching a swampy bank, additional cops took over and led the dog to a clinic.

The local animal shelter reported that the dog is stable and no longer limping. The county is caring for the dog because no owner has claimed it. Officer Schmidt is lauded for his fast thinking and sensitivity. He told reporters he was only doing his job and pleased the dog survived.

This rescue shows how abandoned dogs, rough terrain, and shifting tides can turn a routine call into a life-or-death emergency for law-enforcement and animal-control teams on the New Jersey coast. Local neighbors thanked the officer, saying such selflessness builds community faith in first responders.

This tragedy should educate public-safety officials and animal-care organizations of the significance of rapid action in rescue situations and the unpredictability of stray-animal calls near water. Training, preparation, and a willingness to respond under pressure—qualities that prioritize sensitive animal welfare—led to the achievement.

Sources
CBS News Philadelphia
NBC Philadelphia
BreakingAC