Metro Atlanta

Dog rescued from burning home by firefighter in Fulton

East Point Firefighter Gerrell Lilly holds Frisky the dog after she was left unconscious during a home fire caused by overcooked spaghetti in the microwave on March 20, 2019.
East Point Firefighter Gerrell Lilly holds Frisky the dog after she was left unconscious during a home fire caused by overcooked spaghetti in the microwave on March 20, 2019.
By Ben Brasch
April 4, 2019

It was almost a doggone tragedy.

Frisky the dog was found unconscious in a burning East Point home after fire from overcooked spaghetti in the microwave spread to the kitchen cabinets, city spokeswoman Shannon Wiggins said Wednesday.

Once Frisky and another dog were rescued from the Scenic Drive home, East Point Firefighter Gerrell Lilly “immediately sprang into action and began CPR compressions on the lifeless dog,” Wiggins said of Lilly’s actions during the March 20 fire.


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East Point Firefighter Gerrell Lilly poses with his proclamation from the state congratulating him for saving the life of Frisky the dog. (Courtesy of city of East Point)
East Point Firefighter Gerrell Lilly poses with his proclamation from the state congratulating him for saving the life of Frisky the dog. (Courtesy of city of East Point)

"A few minutes later, (Frisky) was up barking and wagging ... The family describes their dogs as their 'babies.' So, they were very thankful for Lilly's quick thinking and dedication," the Georgia Department of Insurance wrote on Facebook on Friday.

Georgia’s Safety Fire Commissioner Jim Beck honored Lilly during his regular “Firefighter Friday” with a proclamation congratulating the firefighter for the good work.


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About the Author

Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.

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