Dog and His Owner Help Save Pa. Man Trapped in His Car amid Frigid Conditions

A heartwarming story of heroism emerged from Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, as a dog and his owner played a crucial role in the rescue of an 86-year-old man who was trapped in his frozen car for 15 hours. Michael Tutolo, accompanied by his faithful companion Oliver, a golden doodle, was out for their morning walk on February 18th, when they stumbled upon a red Jeep stranded in a frozen drainage ditch. The persistence of Oliver, who kept barking and refusing to leave the scene, prompted Tutolo to investigate further. Tutolo’s quick thinking and Oliver’s intuition proved to be instrumental in saving a life on that fateful morning.

Tutolo, a retired IT professional, couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone might be inside the iced-over Jeep due to Oliver’s unusual behavior. Upon returning home, he immediately requested his wife to dial 911, setting the rescue operation in motion. The man trapped in the vehicle was identified as Lawrence Conklin, who had endured the freezing ordeal since the previous evening. Conklin, who was treated for hypothermia following the rescue, is anticipated to fully recuperate from the harrowing experience, thanks to the timely intervention of Tutolo and Oliver.

The daughter of the elderly man revealed to CBS News that her father, who lacked a cell phone at the time, was en route to visit a friend when a sudden drop in blood sugar likely contributed to the accident. The car, positioned 200 yards away from the road amidst a hedge of trees, went unnoticed until Tutolo and Oliver stumbled upon it during their routine walk. Despite the frosty conditions outside, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees, Tutolo’s persistence and Oliver’s unwavering commitment to the mission eventually led to the successful rescue operation.

Efforts to extricate Conklin from the immobilized vehicle posed a challenge, as the car doors were jammed shut due to the freezing conditions. Despite the obstacles, Tutolo’s swift action in alerting emergency services, coupled with Oliver’s unwavering loyalty, ensured that help arrived in time. The local fire department spent considerable time and effort to remove Conklin from the car, resorting to breaking the windows to access the trapped individual. The subsequent deployment of a Stokes basket and a rope system facilitated Conklin’s safe transfer to level ground before being rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Deputy Chief Scott Gloer of the Lower Burrell Fire Department highlighted the critical condition of Conklin upon rescue, citing signs of severe hypothermia as a result of the prolonged exposure to the icy elements. As the heroic tale unfolded, Tutolo emphasized the significance of extending a helping hand to those in need, underscoring the importance of community solidarity and compassion during times of crisis. The collaborative efforts of Tutolo, Oliver, and the emergency response team in Lower Burrell exemplify the power of unity and quick thinking in saving lives and making a meaningful impact within local communities.

This heartening narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that compassion and vigilance can have in safeguarding vulnerable individuals facing adversity. As Conklin embarks on the road to recovery, the selfless actions of Tutolo and his loyal canine companion stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of solidarity and goodwill that permeates through acts of kindness and empathy within society. In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, stories of hope and resilience such as this one illuminate the inherent goodness and compassion that bind us together as a collective community, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity in the face of adversity.