Firefighters Save Dog from 7-Foot-Deep Lake in Boca Raton

A split-second escape turned into a 15-minute ordeal when Star, a Shih Tzu, darted through an open door and plunged into a seven-foot-deep lake at Century Village in Boca Raton last week.

Denise Kirschman watched helplessly as her dog raced down four flights of stairs, through the parking lot, and straight into Lake Windermere. She immediately called 911, knowing the lake posed serious dangers.

"People say, 'Oh, why didn't you jump in?' The mother would have died," Kirschman explained. Recent cold weather had left dead fish floating in the water, and alligators are known to inhabit the area.

Boca Raton Fire Rescue crews from Station 53 arrived within minutes. A captain kicked off his shoes and entered the water without hesitation, pulling Star to safety after the dog had spent roughly 15 minutes struggling in the lake.

The rescue sparked an outpouring of relief throughout the Century Village community. Neighbors flooded Kirschman's social media with supportive messages, celebrating Star's safe return.

Sunny's Take

Sometimes the bravest acts come in the quietest forms. A firefighter removing his shoes to save a frightened dog might not make national headlines, but it reveals something beautiful about the people who protect our communities. They show up not just for the big emergencies, but for the moments that matter most to individual families.

Kirschman hasn't left Star's side since the rescue, and the feeling is mutual. "I took anxiety pills because I was so freaked out," she said, describing the emotional aftermath of nearly losing her beloved companion.

She brought homemade cookies to Station 53 as a thank-you gesture. Now she avoids walking Star near the lake, taking a new route during their daily outings.

One open door, one quick response, and one grateful pet owner reminded an entire community why first responders deserve our deepest appreciation.