'I made sure not to leave him out of my sight.' Ossining officer recounts rescue of dog from fire

Ossining Police Officer DaSilva ran up and rescued the dog who was trapped behind a gate in one of the smoke-filled rooms that were on fire.

Blaise Gomez

Apr 25, 2023, 3:54 PM

Updated 535 days ago

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News 12 is learning more about a daring police rescue that saved a dog’s life during a Westchester fire earlier this month. 
Ossining Police Officer Jason DaSilva was first on the scene April 13 during an apartment building fire on Croton Avenue when residents outside said Cujo was trapped on the third floor. 
The dog’s owner, Melissa Deak, says her neighbors already pried open her apartment door while she was at work to help but couldn’t get in because of the heavy smoke. 
DaSilva ran up and rescued the dog who was trapped behind a gate in one of the smoke-filled rooms that were on fire. 
“When we were out of the apartment, I made sure not to leave him out of my sight," said DaSilva. "He had no owner at the time, until she was contacted, Ms. Deak, so I had him in the car with me and gave him water. He was hanging out and was happy to be there.” 
Melissa Deak says Cujo is like family to her and her adult son, and says DaSilva is their hero. 
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the fire. The damage to her apartment is being repaired. 
The cause remains under investigation.