Local

Longtime police officer rescues dog from burning Washington Co. home

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — A police officer of 36 years and his wife escaped their burning home in Washington County Tuesday morning.

Firefighters said the blaze was reported at the 70-year-old McDonald police officer’s Culley Lane home in Mount Pleasant around 3 a.m.

Officials at the scene told Channel 11's Cara Sapida (@WPXICara) that Harold Purdy successfully recued his dog, Emmy, from the blaze.

Purdy said he crawled through the basement on his hands and knees to rescue Emmy.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Unfortunately, Purdy’s home is a total loss -- something his neighbors say they want to help with.

“He’s a very popular guy. He’s been here for a long time. He was active with the fire department and is in the police force,” friend Hector Delaney said. “Everybody is worried about him. I’ve gotten numerous calls from people wanting to help him out. He has a lot of support and we’ll get him through this.”