When a Dog Fell Into Danger, This Officer Dove In to Save Him Without Hesitation
An Atlantic City police officer saved a dog by jumping into frigid water last month. Despite doubts of whether the dog would survive the swim back to shore, the officer says he had no other “choice” if he wanted the pup to live.
Pup Makes Dive Into Cold Water to Evade Capture
RELATED: Police Dog Earns Yummy Reward From McDonald's When He Finds a Missing Man With Dementia
The dog, a pit bull, had been walking with a limp and evading animal control officers when it took things to an extreme by jumping into the cold bay. The officer, Matt Schmidt, quickly assessed the situation and knew what he had to do.
“Are you sure you can go out that far?” another officer asked him on the bay’s dock.
“Gonna have to try,” Matt said as he removed his shoes on the dock. “...What else am I supposed to do?”
100 Yards and Cold Water Doesn’t Stop Police Officer from Diving In
He finished stripping out of his uniform before diving into the water himself.
"I was like, 'OK, it's struggling, the current's strong, it's getting weighted down, and it's just going to tire out,” Matt said. "I just felt like, clearly, a boat is not going to get here in time. So this is not a choice. I have to go if I want this dog to live."
Matt swam 100 yards before reaching the dog, securing him with a bite pole.
"Once I had him in my control, I'm just basically talking to him," the officer said. "'OK, buddy, just help me. Swim with me, not away from me. Don't make this double hard.'"
Matt let out a scolding remark about the adventurous dog once they got to shore. “He’s a very very bad boy!” he said.
Police Officer Saves Dog
Thanks to Matt, the dog is with Animal Control, has been treated for its limp, and is now alive and healthy. But Matt doesn’t see himself as a hero.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Her Dog Was Finally Found 2,000 Miles From Home After Going Missing During a Storm
"Honestly, I was just trying to do my job," he said. "I'm just glad I got to save the dog."
Matt is exactly the kind of officer everyone wants to have protecting them and their city’s animals. He’s surely doing the job he was meant to have, and this isn’t the start or the end of his heroics on the force—that’s for certain!
WATCH: When a Dog Fell Into Danger, This Officer Dove In to Save Him Without Hesitation
LISTEN: Stage 4 Cancer Couldn’t Keep This Dad From His Daughter’s Big Day | He Fell to the Ground in TJ Maxx, Stranger Rushed to Help
h/t: CBS News
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Philadelphia
Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.
Originally published November 06, 2025.
