Officer Rescues Dog From Aurora House Fire: Video

AURORA, IL — Officers responding to a house fire last week in the 2000 block of Whitehall Court rescued a dog named Oakley, Aurora police said.

Aurora police and firefighter responded to the blaze at 12:51 p.m. Sept. 11. When officers arrived, they spotted flames coming from the rear of the home, police said.

Unsure if anyone was inside, Investigator Michael Ely and Investigator Jacob Leonard forced entry into the house. During a search, Ely found and safely rescued the dog.

"Fortunately, nobody was inside the home at the time of the fire besides Oakley," police said.

No injuries were reported, and a preliminary investigation indicated the fire started in the attic. Police said there were no signs of foul play.

While the home remained habitable, the homeowner was encouraged to stay elsewhere temporarily as a precaution.

The homeowners, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Oakley is a 4-year-old American Staffordshire terrier who was rescued from a local organization called Players For Pits.

"He was adopted as a puppy by our family," the residents said, adding that Oakley is an athletic dog who likes to play and wrestle. "He enjoys snuggling with us, snoring loudly as he sleeps, sunbathing, and eating peanut butter," the added. "We are forever grateful to Mike at the Aurora Police Department for saving our sweet dog."

Chief Matt Thomas praised the officers for their efforts.

"I’m proud of the way our officers handled this situation," he said. "Their quick response made a real difference, and it’s always rewarding when we can return a family member — even a four-legged one — safely to their loved ones."

In video of Oakley's rescue released by police, the good boy seems to know exactly what to do as an officer finds him, and immediately runs to where his leash is and sits.