Many times our first responders don’t always get the love and respect that they deserve. Sometimes great stories can end up getting buried under the depressing news that tends to dominate the media landscape. So we thought we’d bring you some of the best first responder rescues from around the internet, and maybe brighten your day just a bit.

Returning The Favor

Our first story is so incredible that Snopes actually verified it as true because so many people had doubts. Over thirty years ago, a doctor in California worked to keep a premature baby alive. At 3.2 pounds, Chris Trokey had been given a 50% chance of survival. Chris did survive, and he grew up to become a fireman-paramedic. Maybe you can guess where this is going. The doctor, Michael Shannon, was hit by a semi truck on Pacific Coast Highway, and was trapped in his burning SUV. And guess who showed up with the Jaws of Life and saved him? That’s right, Chris Trokey had no idea who Dr. Shannon was until he got to the hospital afterwards, but was shocked to find out it was the same doctor who had saved his life all those years ago. Talk about returning the favor.

A Window Of Opportunity

Firefighter Matt Holladay wasn’t even supposed to be working the day that he saved Jeffie “Honey” Sanders life, but he had traded shifts and was on duty when the call went out. The house they responded to was engulfed in flames, except for the smoke-filled bedroom where Sanders lay. Holladay made the decision to go in, and jumped through the window to pull the 70-year-old grandmother out of the burning house. At first he sadly thought that he had recovered a body, but then heard paramedics yelling that they had a pulse. Sanders was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and burns, all thanks to the heroic actions of Holladay.

Best Doggone Rescue

In our last story, the stakes might not be quite as high, but if you’ve ever owned a dog, then you can relate to the fear of losing your furry best friend. A dog in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area almost suffered a terrible fate, but was rescued by the San Francisco Fire Department. The dog was in a leashless area, and its curiosity may have gotten the better of it, as it took a tumble down a cliff and wound up sitting precariously on a ledge. Luckily, the fire department responded, scaled the cliff, and managed to bring the poor pooch up to safety. Check out the video of the rescue if you need a little pick me up today.

Our first responders go through a lot to help us, and even if we’re not always thinking about them, they’re always ready to give us a hand and help us out of dangerous situations. If you’d like some advice on how you can say thanks, then check out our article, “4 Ways to Show Appreciation for Public Safety Workers this Holiday Season.”