The Los Angeles Fire Department has defended its decision to deploy about 50 firefighters and a helicopter to rescue a dog from the Los Angeles River.
The department has received praise for the hour-long rescue operation, but has also come under criticism for using so many resources.
Mr Ruda said there was no extra cost because the firefighters were on duty and stationed nearby.
The German shepherd, nicknamed Vernon after the southern California town where it was found, was saved when a firefighter dangling from a helicopter grabbed the dog and held tight as they were taken to an overpass. The dog bit the firefighter, who lost a nail and fractured his thumb.
Joe St Georges, 50, said he had no hard feelings toward the dog.
"I didn't really have the time to establish any rapport with the dog," Mr St Georges told reporters after being released from County USC medical centre. "He's cold, he's wet, he's scared, and then here's this stranger jumping on his back for all intents and purposes, and he did what dogs do."
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The department has received praise for the hour-long rescue operation, but has also come under criticism for using so many resources.
Mr Ruda said there was no extra cost because the firefighters were on duty and stationed nearby.
The German shepherd, nicknamed Vernon after the southern California town where it was found, was saved when a firefighter dangling from a helicopter grabbed the dog and held tight as they were taken to an overpass. The dog bit the firefighter, who lost a nail and fractured his thumb.
Joe St Georges, 50, said he had no hard feelings toward the dog.
"I didn't really have the time to establish any rapport with the dog," Mr St Georges told reporters after being released from County USC medical centre. "He's cold, he's wet, he's scared, and then here's this stranger jumping on his back for all intents and purposes, and he did what dogs do."
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LOVE IT!
wow! :'( <3
Those men did a very good job ! This was a nice practice ! Just imagine if it was a child... Now they know there tactic work's !
Amazing people - big respect!
wow, amazing!
Money well spent, who can put a price on a the life of any animal...? Great job, well done everyone involved :) xx
Super people !! Amazing
no video, just black
Thank you to the firemen for saving a living beings life.....Bravo!
Awesome job - you guys are the best! And amazing job by the helicopter pilot too by the way!
I agree with the training comment. If they had to bail because conditions worsened, then the dog's life doesn't compare to the rescuer's life. It was a risky operation but the risk seemed manageable, with many opportunities to call NO DUFF if necessary. Definitely a better way to look at this.
Amazing work! Thank you because all lives matter! And no one life is more important than the other regardless of form!
That was literally awesome! What a hero!
Earth Angels doing an awesome job Thankyou all
To hell with criticism about the resources, if the law can finance the killing of an innocent grizzly family with our taxes, why not use the same funds for something good, for a change.
Thank you for your skilled, competent and compassionate action. Big hearts!
Beautifully you'd think oh it's just a dog, which is very wrong, every life is worthy to be saved, and incidentally is also a great exercise for the men ..