Donate to remember Nick The Fire Dog

My name is Chris O'Dell. I am a retired firefighter from the City of Newburgh, NY. In October of 2016, the City of Newburgh, NY firefighters rescued a pitbull that was left tied to a fire hydrant in the east end of the city, just blocks from fire headquarters. The firefighters involved brought the rescued pitbull back to the firehouse, gave him a bath, and named him Nick. Chief Terry Ahlers was notified and was asked if we could keep him; the answer was yes. Nick found a home and quickly became a welcomed part of our Fire Department.

Leading up to his retirement in 2023, Nick could be found keeping the members company as they worked around the firehouse. Nick the fire dog responded with us to calls, assisted the members at fire prevention details, and many community events. In the fire service, we call each other brothers, and Nick was definitely one of our brothers. Everybody knows that the firefighters from the City of Newburgh rescued Nick the fire dog, but the world needs to know that he rescued us right back every day that he spent with us. Firefighting is a tough, dirty, and at times an emotional job; that is where our Nicky boy shined. He was diagnosed with cancer a little over a month ago, and his health rapidly declined. On Monday, May 19th, surrounded by his brothers, family, and friends, Nick passed away.

We are raising funds to donate to an animal charity that the members of the City of Newburgh firefighters choose, as well as a memorial to honor Nick so that the world knows what he meant not only to us but our community. Please consider donating; we really would appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Chris