ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – An Atlantic City police officer is being celebrated as a hero after he bravely rescued an injured dog from the frigid waters of a bay. Officer Matthew Schmidt, captured on body cam footage provided by the Atlantic City Fire Department, swam approximately 100 yards against a strong current to save the animal.
The incident began when the dog escaped from animal control, still wearing a catch pole around its neck. Officer Schmidt, who had been pursuing the dog through a neighborhood, cornered it in a vacant lot near the bay. The dog unexpectedly leapt into the water, prompting immediate concern.
“Most dogs swim back to shore after a few minutes, but this one kept drifting further away,” Schmidt explained. He quickly radioed for assistance from departments equipped with boats, including the nearby fire department and Coast Guard. However, as time passed without an estimated arrival, Schmidt grew increasingly anxious about the dog’s safety.
Worried that the pole around its neck would weigh the dog down, Schmidt made the split-second decision to enter the water himself. “I realized we might lose the dog if I didn’t act,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Once in the water, Schmidt faced the challenge of swimming back against the current while holding onto the dog with one hand. “The current was stronger than I anticipated, especially with only one free hand,” he recounted. Despite these difficulties, Schmidt successfully brought the dog to safety.
Upon reaching the shore, Schmidt felt a wave of relief. “Standing on solid ground again was a huge relief,” he noted. When asked about being hailed as a hero, Schmidt humbly downplayed the notion, stating, “I’m just glad the dog survived.”
Schmidt, who investigates animal cruelty crimes as a humane law enforcement officer, hopes his actions inspire others. “I hope people would act similarly in such situations,” he expressed, highlighting his deep compassion for animals.
Officer Schmidt’s courageous actions have garnered appreciation, and he remains dedicated to his mission of protecting animals.