Virginia UPS driver hero kicked down door and saved family dogs from fire

In Norfolk, Virginia, a very brave UPS driver has been called a hero after rescuing a family’s dogs on Wednesday from a house fire after it had been struck by lightning.

According to WabiChannel5 news, Chris Schwenk, the UPS driver, had been delivering packages in the area many times. At this particular home, Schwenk would often see one of the family’s senior dogs sunbathing outside, but not this time. On his way to his latest delivery, he smelled smoke.

Schwenk told news media that at first he didn’t think much of it, but as he turned onto the street, he saw smoke coming out of the attic of the home where the dogs lived. The house had been struck by lightning, and the attic had caught fire.

The driver immediately called 911, but he knew the dogs were in great danger and feared emergency help would not get there quickly enough. And so Schwenk parked his truck and ran to the door banging on it. He could hear the dogs barking inside. No one answered; the brave driver didn’t know how much smoke in the house the dogs could handle and still survive, and so he made the decision to kick in the door and save the dogs.

The dogs were indeed happy to be rescued, and with the help of concerned neighbors, the family’s three dogs were safe.

The homeowners, the community and his coworkers are proud of this hero and are hailing him a hero. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are sending Schwenk some pet treats for his own pets as a “thank you” for going above and beyond his duties and saving these precious lives.

Way to go Chris! You are a hero.

(Photo via screenshot from News3 video)

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