Annawan Fire Dept. receives pet oxygen masks

The Annawan-Alba Fire Department now has two pet oxygen masks, courtesy of Invisible Fence of the Cities.

Phillip Vroman, company owner, presented the masks to the department on Monday, April 23.

This donation is part of a national effort called Project Breathe designed to equip fire stations across the U.S. and Canada with pet oxygen masks.

The masks allow firefighters and EMS staff to give oxygen to pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation when they are rescued from fires.

“When a family suffers the tragedy of a fire, lives are turned upside down,” said Ed Hoyt, director of Invisible Fence. “Pets are valued family members, so we want families to know that their pet can be cared for if tragedy strikes.

“We realize that humans are the first priority, but, in many cases, pets can be saved if firefighters have the right equipment,” said Hoyt.