CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — The American Red Cross is recognizing a Cheektowaga police officer as an Animal Rescue Hero award winner for a call he responded to last December.

Patrolman James Rutkowski was nearing the end of his shift on Dec. 30, 2020 when witnesses called police about a dog stuck in a creek.

The dog was a newly-adopted boxer breed named Gracie, who escaped on her way to her first vet visit nearby.

Rutkowski spotted her stuck to a branch in waist deep, icy cold water.

"We’re trained throughout law enforcement, they always tell us no matter what kind of situation you’re in, do something," said Rutkowski. "Don’t just stand there and do [nothing.] Do something."

He followed the sound of her howls and wasted no time hopping over a chain link fence, breaking through branches and wading into the water to free her. 

"It was scary at first for sure, just because, you know, you’re out there, at the time when I first found her I was by myself," he said. "We had the snow melt that day. It was colder and the creek was moving quite good. If I was in there and I wasn’t able to grab onto a branch or anything like that, I could've gone down the creek with her."

His partner, Patrolman Troy Blackchief, arrived with backup to pass Gracie to shore. She arrived unharmed.

Rutkowski, a dog owner of two, said it was second nature.

"If I were another dog owner and I wasn’t able to get to my dog, I would want somebody to jump in after it and that’s just kind of what I did," he said.

The family thanked Rutkowski and Blackchief after the rescue with a gift basket and a message from Gracie that read: "Officer Rutkowski, until recently I didn’t know the kindness of human touch and I’m still learning to trust! I got scared and I ran until I couldn’t run anymore. I found myself in real trouble and I cried out for help. You answered my cries with kind words and a gentle hand. Your selflessness and bravery saved me and gave me another chance at the life I deserve. You are my hero! Love, Gracie."

That is why Patrolman James Rutkowski is your 2021 American Red Cross Animal Rescue Hero.