$18K raised for LV firefighters who tried saving dog from blaze

NAZARETH (AP) — A Pennsylvania man whose home was destroyed in a September fire has raised $18,000 to thank the firefighters who extinguished the flames and tried to save his dog.

John Pequeno started an online fundraising campaign for nine departments that responded to the fire at his home in Upper Nazareth Township, outside Easton. The campaign exceeded his initial goal by $3,000. He planned to present the check on Monday night.

Firefighters repeatedly ran into Pequeno’s burning home to try to save his Yorkshire terrier, Marshall, who died while hiding under a couch, according to The (Allentown) Morning Call. Firefighters returned to help him salvage whatever he could from the wreckage.

Each fire department that responded will receive $2,000.