DOG-GONE MESS:
LAWRENCE COUNTY OFFICIAL HAS TO BE RESCUED FROM NARROW ROADSIDE CLIFF BY TWO JOHNSON COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS AFTER BOTCHED ATTEMPT TO SAVE STRANDED DOG
EMERGENCY OFFICIALS POINT FINGER OF BLAME AT LAWRENCE COUNTY EMERGENCY DIRECTOR FOR HAMPERING THEIR PLANS TO SAVE DOG ON CALL
MARCH 14, 2023 – written by WADE QUEEN
DOG GONE EMBARRASSING: PAINTSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT, ALONG WITH W.R. CASTLE FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT, HAD TO RESCUE LAWRENCE COUNTY EMERGENCY DIRECTOR TRAVIS HUGHES, WHO GOT STRANDED ON A ROADSIDE CLIFF ALONG U.S. 23 ON THE JOHNSON COUNTY SIDE OF THE JOHNSON/LAWRENCE COUNTY LINE; APPARENTLY TRYING TO RESCUE A TRAPPED DOG, THAT JOHNSON COUNTY EMERGENCY OFFICIALS SAY THEY WERE ASSEMBLING A TEAM FOR THE RESCUE OF THE DOG AFTER THEY WERE ORIGINALLY CALLED AND NOTIFIED FIRST ABOUT THE SITUATION.
What started out as a preparation to save a four legged critter by emergency officials in a neighboring county, only to find out that they needed additional help, after finding out that they needed to also save a two-legged person as well.
The man, later identified as Lawrence County EMS director Travis Hughes, who had taken the dangerous move to try to rescue the dog himself, only to end leaving with a red face, saw his rescuers pointing the blame for derailing their attempt to rescue the canine on him. The incident could have led to very serious injuries, or worse a fatal outcome for both man and beast.
Firefighters and a ladder truck from Paintsville Fire Department arrived on the scene along U.S.23 in Johnson County to a report of a dog stuck on a cliff. However, first responders had to rescue the Lawrence County Emergency Management director Travis Hughes, who had gotten stuck on the cliff trying to help the dog.
Once Lawrence County Emergency Management Travis Hughes was safe, a couple of rope rescuers tried to rappel down to the dog. After the second attempt, the dog slid down the cliff uninjured but was still not captured.
Johnson County rescue squad personnel firmly reiterated that if you ask for help, that it’s important to wait for rescuers.
Here is the official statement on Monday from the W. R. Castle about the incident.
“…Today we responded to an animal rescue on US 23, where a dog was stranded on a cliff.
W.R. Castle Fire & Rescue was first notified this morning by Gary McClure with Johnson County EM about the stranded dog.A plan was made to assemble the rope rescue team to meet and rescue the dog when proper equipment and personnel was in place.Emergency Management Services was notified of the plan.No one made contact with anyone with the W.R. Fire department that is responsible for that area prior to this morning.Before we could rescue the dog, we had to rescue Lawrence County’s Emergency Management director, who had gotten stranded on the cliff while attempting to help the dog. Paintsville firefighters used their ladder truck to bring him down.Once he was safe, our rope rescue technicians rappelled down to the dog. Unfortunately, the dog refused to come to his rescuer. After a second attempt, the dog slid down the cliff. He escaped capture but did not appear to be injured.The time and resources committed to rescuing the would-be rescuer delayed help for the dog. This is why it is so important to wait on rescuers who are properly trained and equipped.We appreciate everyone’s help and concern for the animal and no one was injured in the rescue.
Also assisting on scene were Gary McClure with Paintsville/Johnson County Emergency Management and Sheriff Scott Hazlette and Deputy Jeff Castle with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.”
Sometimes before a story is told you need get the whole story instead of only part. The dog had been there over forty-eight hours had been reported multiple times by multiple people only to be told the could not help. Another person was told that since it wasn’t an emergency nothing could be done. That is why Travis Hughes and Jess Perry went to the scene where at least two of the people who had reported were there trying to still get help for this dog. So we should be grateful to Travis instead of trying to embarrass him for at least trying to help this dog when no one else would respond. I find it quite funny that WRCastle fire department it took a man being stuck to come out. We were in contact with the gentleman who was flying the drone and who had called 911 hisself and was told there was nothing anyone could do!
So please maybe next speak to everyone involved.
Johnson County nothing but trying to cover their butts for not responding when the calls came in for help!
Sounds like Hughes was trying to save the large scale operations for something more dire than a stray dog..however I fail to see how it’s his fault that the dog ran from the “trained and prepared ” team..they weren’t “prepared ” for the dog to take off scared lol
I think he did a great job! I know alot of times if someone would just put in a little extra it does make it easier on others! I believe this is what he intended to do! Sorry it didnt work out this time, doesnt mean it wont the next! Ty for your services!
One fact that everyone is unaware of or missing is that there WERE ladders on site. The sheriff came by and made them remove the ladders and made Lawrence County ACO, Jess Perry, and the others leave! That is what caused Travis to be stuck on the cliff. When Travis asked for the ladder so he could get down, the sheriff refused. Travis wouldn’t have needed rescue but for the actions of the sheriff. Johnson County created this problem. Lawrence County was there to help. Johnson County needs to own up to their actions and refusal to help.
Give Travis some credit for having the compassion to save an animal at the risk of his own safety. Quit stepping on his reputation. Kudos to the other man who tried to help too!
Moral of the story – Don’t try to help anyone. The big fireman will get upset!
I think Johnson county and any reporter that writes this junk need to grow up! No ONE offered to help this DOG in the frigid temps not even the fire department! Now,I’m seeing where the sheriff made some of them move ladders that were to help with the rescue so,WR castle fire department can come swooping in light bat man and save the day! I think Johnson county and wr castle just wants to make a name for themselves instead of saying,hey we were glad to help,we were called several times about the dog but,we didn’t want to rescue it, in stead they want to knock down the ONLY people that tried to save the dog! Grow up and realize if you had went and rescued the dog a day earlier,none of this would’ve happened!
So we’re supposed to believe that a sheriff moved or took the ladders away leaving Travis trapped or stuck on a cliff? I just can’t see a sheriff doing that to anyone, especially while they’re right there in front of Travis. Did the sheriff tell Travis good luck, then took the ladders. Doesn’t make any sense. Hard to believe the sheriff actually done this at all.
Travis helped when no one else would. He’s a stand up guy. We need more like him. At least he gave a good effort.
Believe whatever version makes it right in your world, but the facts don’t change to fit anyone’s narrative. This wouldn’t have happened if it had been dealt with when first reported. The sheriff had the ladders removed, leaving Travis stranded. Keeping it Real is right….no one else would help until Travis and Lawrence County got involved. At least they tried to help. And now they want to play CYA by pushing out their own version that makes them look better. They need to remember….blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make theirs shine brighter.
Very good post, and I agree. Which county sheriff had the ladders removed? Whomever it was beyond their jurisdiction and authority.