We cannot imagine exactly what this dog owner felt when his vehicle caught fire. He was able to escape, but his beloved dog was stuck inside. But thanks to caring neighbors and a wonderful police department, all ended well. It was a heart-pounding rescue unlike any other: a car filled with black smoke, a dog trapped inside, and a Colorado sheriff’s deputy smashing windows in a race against time. The terrifying ordeal was all captured on a body camera on January 22, ending with the heroic rescue of a dog named Hank, thanks to the swift actions of a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

The entire dramatic rescue unfolded in less than a minute. Deputy Michael Gregorek arrived at the scene, where a Ford Expedition SUV was engulfed in smoke. Hank’s panicked owner immediately informed Gregorek that his dog was trapped inside. Wasting no time, the deputy grabbed his baton and shattered the rear passenger window to allow some of the smoke to escape.

After being told that Hank was in the back of the vehicle, Gregorek smashed the rear window as well. Hank, visibly distressed and drooling, was coaxed toward the opening by his owner. Despite their efforts, the frightened dog was too scared to jump out on his own.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Gregorek stepped in. He reached into the car, carefully lifted Hank, and quickly carried him to a safer spot on the snowy ground. Reflecting on the event later, Gregorek explained that he initially thought he might be responding to a crime in progress. But when he arrived and saw Hank’s owner pleading for help, his priority shifted to saving the dog.

“I didn’t want to interfere with the owner’s attempt to get Hank out,” Gregorek said in an interview. “But once it became clear he couldn’t do it, I knew I had to act. Hank’s body was tensing up, and I knew he didn’t have much time. All I could think was, ‘He’s coming out with me, no matter what.’”

After the rescue, a neighbor offered Gregorek some water and mentioned that his wife, a veterinarian, could check Hank over. The pup was examined and given a clean bill of health. Hank, clearly grateful, was soon running around the backyard, fully recovered from the ordeal.

Before leaving, Gregorek made sure to give Hank some well-deserved pets, and the dog responded with affectionate kisses, thanking his rescuer in the best way he knew how. To see the dramatic rescue for yourself, click ‘play’ below.

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