Horse Rescue Units From Across Hudson Valley Rushed To Save 'Broadway'

BEDFORD, NY — A horse named "Broadway" spent a career helping to keep New Yorkers safe, and Hudson valley firefighters rushed to return the favor in his hour of need.

Shortly before noon on Saturday, the Patterson Fire Department was called to assist the Bedford Fire Department with a horse rescue. Twenty-year-old Broadway, a retired NYPD Mounted Unit horse weighing 1,400 pounds, was down in his stall and unable to stand.

On scene, members of the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team and the Patterson Fire Department quickly came up with a plan to help Broadway get back on his feet.

"It’s impressive to see this level of expertise come together," Patterson Fire Department Battalion Coordinator George Wahlers said. "And they should be proud of what they can do."

After conferring with the horse owner and Dr. Victoria Dugan, the on-scene veterinarian from Miller & Associates, the plan was carried out. All of the agencies involved have trained and worked together on similar technical situations so the execution went according to plan. After careful assembly of the needed rescue equipment, Broadway was carefully hoisted back onto his feet in the stall where he could receive further medical treatment.

"We’ve worked with this veterinarian before and trained on this exact scenario," Putnam County Technical Rescue Team Commander Joey Nickischer said in a statement. "I’m proud that the hard work, training and dedication of all these rescuers continues to be very effective."