By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
JACKSON – A group of Jackson residents who love animals has been honored by the Board of Fire Commissioners in Fire District 3.
On March 11, the fire commissioners presented a plaque to representatives of the Westlake Animal Groups in recognition of the organization’s latest donation of pet oxygen masks to the fire district.
The group has just donated two pet oxygen masks; one went to Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and one went to the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
Susan Addelston, who is the president of Westlake Animal Groups, said the masks are a lifesaving device for animals who sustain smoke inhalation during a fire. Each mask costs about $100 and is reusable.
Rudy Brito, who chairs the Fire District 3 Board of Fire Commissioners, said the Westlake Animal Groups reached out to Fire District No. 3 last year and donated a pet oxygen mask to Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
He said the group reached out this year with a donation of two more pet oxygen masks.
Addelston said the two newest pet oxygen masks were purchased by Myra and Joe Salz, who are residents of the Westlake Golf and Country Club adult community and WAGs board members.
“Myra and Joe’s generosity enabled us to purchase two masks and to make this donation so that all of Jackson’s fire companies are now equipped to save pets’ lives,” Addelston said.
Westlake Animal Groups was founded in 2008 and has 78 members. The group’s mission is to provide funds to the Volunteer Auxiliary for Animal Shelters on Fremont Avenue, Jackson, in an effort to keep animals out of the shelter system and to make them healthy enough to adopt.
Brito said firefighters will use the oxygen masks to assist animals that have sustained smoke inhalation during a fire.
“A large percentage of our citizens have cats or dogs as pets, as well as other types of animals. With this equipment on board our vehicles, we will be able to provide assistance to any pets that may have suffered from smoke inhalation.
“Pets play a vital role in the lives of many people and in essence they are considered a part of one’s family. Having this additional tool in our arsenal gives us the ability to render aid and comfort to pets and their human companions,” Brito said.
“The plaque we presented to the Westlake Animal Groups is a small token of appreciation for their commitment to the fire department and the pets of Jackson. The masks have the potential to save lives, as does all of the equipment on our vehicles.
“The Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire District 3 are always working to keep our community safe by providing what we believe to be the best fire department in Jackson and Ocean County,” Brito said.
