Dear Editor:
On the evening of Jan. 8, 2026, our two dogs were on chains close together. They got into a fight, and we didn’t know it was happening. We heard wailing and went to see what the commotion was about.
We discovered one of our dogs in great distress, with both cables wrapped around her front legs so tightly that we couldn’t free her. She was in terrible pain, bleeding from both legs. She was bound so tightly that no matter what we attempted to do, we could not get her loose.
We called 911, and Stewart Brandrick responded to assist us. The dog, which weighs 50 pounds, is very muscular and was not willing to allow us to remove the restraints. She tried to bite him many times during the rescue. We did not have the proper tool to cut the cables to free her. Mr. Brandrick went out and brought a special tool to cut them loose.
Mr. Brandrick went far above what was expected, putting himself in danger to free a helpless animal. He refused to stop trying until she was loose and able to stand up. His actions were very courageous and extremely helpful. He represented the Bradford County Fire Department in the best possible light. He should be commended for his courage and determination in helping us free her.
We took her to an urgent animal care facility in Gainesville. She is recovering nicely now, thanks to the incredible intervention of this fine firefighter.
Sincerely,
Thomas J Potts
