Dog rescue along Fraser River puts spotlight on Port Coquitlam city staff

The mayor of Port Coquitlam is giving a shout out to city staff after a daring dog rescue on the Fraser River.

An animal control officer with the City of Port Coquitlam is being hailed a hero after rescuing a dog stranded on a sandbar along the Fraser River.

Video of the rescue was shared on social media Wednesday by Mayor Brad West, who praised city staff for their quick response.

“Quick thinking, skill and compassion turned a dangerous situation into a happy ending,” West wrote. “I’m incredibly proud of our city staff and the care they show our community every single day.”

It’s unclear how the German shephard ended up getting stranded in Minnekhada Regional Park last Friday, or how long the dog had been there before a resident called the city for help.

West tells CTV News that animal control officers were on the scene “within minutes.” The officer that carried out the rescue has since been identified as Stephanie Finn.

West says Finn is known for constantly going above and beyond to help animals in the community.

“Stephanie just has a remarkable passion for animals and dogs and didn’t hesitate for one second to get into the water, traverse over to the dog, get him in a place where she could get a leash on him and help guide him back safely to shore,” West told CTV News.

A spokesperson for the city confirms the dog is now safe at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, but no one has come forward to claim him and he had no ID.

West says rescues like this highlight the dedication city staff bring to their work.

“I think that in big ways and small ways, every single day Port Coquitlam city staff are out there doing their best for our community and this really exemplified public service at its best.”

West’s comments come one day after Vancouver city council rejected a motion to reinstate that city’s living wage policy, which was cut in 2023. The City of Port Coquitlam has been paying city staff a living wage since 2016.

“I think that anyone who goes to work, whether it be for the city or elsewhere deserves to be treated with respect—and that means earning a fair wage,” West said. “We’re proud to be a certified living wage city, and that does include our animal control officers.”