Family Honors Police Officer Who Saved Dog From Fire
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- A family from Eagan honored the police officer who saved their dog from their burning house.
Gordon and Kathy Finley's home burst into flames in December 2013 after their hot tub malfunctioned.
The couple was not home but their then 2-year-old dog Frankie was locked in his kennel.
Officer Joe Moseng arrived on the scene of the fire and kicked down the front door.
"It's one of the worst feelings I think I've ever felt on this job," Moseng said.
Moseng was terrified someone was trapped inside the burning home, but he had to retreat from the flames and smoke.
"I kept yelling because I knew at least there was a dog inside," Moseng said.
Somehow, Frankie the dog escaped from his closed kennel and ran out the open front door Moseng had cleared for him.
Frankie experienced some burns but eventually made a full recovery.
"The dog took off running and actually started rolling around in some snow to cool itself," Moseng described.
"He didn't even think, he just stepped in there because it was the right thing to do," Kathy Finley said of Moseng.
"I wasn't worried about the house, I was worried about my puppy," Gordon Finley said.
The couple lost everything in the fire except for the beloved pet who had brought them so much joy.
Frankie brought new meaning to Gordon's life as the marine war veteran battled post-traumatic stress disorder.
"He'd rather just stay in his room and have the TV off and just sit there," Kathy Finley said. "So, when I got Frankie and Gordon bonded with Frankie it was like night and day. All of a sudden Gordon had life back in his eyes."
The Finleys used Frankie's second chance to train him to become a service dog and help with Gordon's PTSD; continuing Officer Moseng's spirit of helping others.
After nearly three years, as they prepare to move back home, the Finleys got to show their appreciation before the Eagan City Council on Monday night.
The family presented Moseng with a framed photo and message from Frankie that read, "Thank you for saving me."
"You put your life on the line for me. I appreciate it," Kathy Finley said.
They know when Moseng saved Frankie, he also saved Gordon.
"I told myself when I got started in this profession that if I could change or help one person in their life out that my whole career would be a success," Moseng said.
The Finleys said they plan to bring Frankie to local schools to help children with autism once he finishes a bit more training to help other people as a therapy dog.
