Atlantic City police officer jumped into chilly bay waters to rescue injured pit bull dog

An Atlantic City police officer rescued an injured pit bull by swimming into the chilly bay waters after the animal evaded capture on October 15.

Officer Matt Schmidt, an 18-year veteran of the force who has been a humane law enforcement officer for three years, responded to a report of an abandoned and limping dog in the Venice Park area.

A humane law enforcement officer (HLEO) is a law enforcement officer with the authority to enforce animal welfare and cruelty laws and ordinances. They investigate animal abuse, apprehend offenders, and work to prevent neglect through education and community outreach. While their powers and specific duties can vary by state and municipality, they are distinct from, but often work with, general animal control officers.

Schmidt and Animal Control officers were able to corner the dog at a lot near the bay, but when the officers attempted to secure the dog, it escaped, jumped into the bay, and swam away from shore.

Seeing the dog struggling against a strong current approximately 100 yards from shore, Schmidt made a split-second decision. He removed his duty gear and entered the water.

“I knew that time was a factor, and I just knew there was pretty much no other choice,” said Schmidt. “Honestly, I was just trying to do my job. I’m just glad I got to save the dog.”

“I was like, ‘OK, it’s struggling, the current’s strong, it’s getting weighted down, and it’s just going to tire out,'” said Schmidt. “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.”

Body camera and drone footage documented the rescue, showing Schmidt swimming to the dog and successfully securing it with an animal catch pole before guiding it back to safety.

“Once I had him in my control, I’m just basically talking to him,” Schmidt said. “‘OK, buddy, just help me. Swim with me, not away from me. Don’t make this double hard.'”

“I was just blown away by it, but I wasn’t surprised because he’s an exceptional officer that always goes way above and beyond to get the job done,” said Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos, who described the actions as “extraordinary.”

“Looking back, I’m just, I’m glad the dogs, okay, that was my goal, and thankfully, mission accomplished,” said Schmidt.

The dog was transported to the Atlantic County Animal Shelter for treatment of its injuries. According to police, the dog has since been reclaimed by its owner.