A dog named Dip is home safe after a Pea Ridge police sergeant crawled through a storm drain on Memorial Day to pull him out, braving black widow spiders and tight quarters to get the job done.
The rescue happened around 6 p.m. on Monday, May 27, when officers responded to a call about a dog stuck in a drainage pipe near the intersection of West Douglas Drive and South Harvest Moon Drive in Pea Ridge. According to Pea Ridge Police Department Chief Hahn, the dog had apparently chased a ball into the pipe and couldn’t get back out. The opening was too small for most of the officers on scene, but Sergeant Day volunteered to crawl in.
“A special thank you to Sergeant Day, who crawled into the storm drain, braved the black widow spiders, and rescued Dip,” Chief Hahn said in a statement.
The pipe was narrow, dark, and filled with spider webs. Inside, officers could hear Dip whining. Using a long pole, they tried to guide him toward the opening, but the dog was too panicked and stuck. That’s when Sergeant Day got on his hands and knees, flashlight in mouth, and inched his way through the pipe until he reached Dip. He managed to grab the dog and pull him back out to safety.
Dip, a young mixed breed, was shaken but unharmed. He was covered in mud and cobwebs but walked out of the drain under his own power. Officers dried him off and walked him around the area until they could locate his owner. The reunion was emotional, with the owner thanking the officers profusely.
“They didn’t have to do that,” the owner told 5News KFSM. “I’m just so grateful. Dip means the world to me.”
The rescue took place during a holiday weekend when many residents were out enjoying the weather and starting their grills for the evening. For the Pea Ridge Police Department, it was a reminder that even on a day meant for rest, their work continues to be about helping people — and pets — in unexpected ways.
More Than Just a Call
Animal rescues aren’t part of standard police training, but officers in smaller departments like Pea Ridge often find themselves stepping into roles that require quick thinking and a willingness to get dirty. In this case, the training wasn’t formal, but the compassion was clear.
Chief Hahn praised Sergeant Day not just for his physical effort, but for his calm approach. “He didn’t hesitate,” Hahn said. “It was a tight space, and we all knew what was at stake. He just got in there and took care of business.”
For residents who live near the area where the incident occurred, the rescue is a reminder of the quiet heroics that happen in neighborhoods across Northwest Arkansas — sometimes in the least glamorous of circumstances. The storm drain where Dip was stuck runs alongside a quiet residential street, not far from Pea Ridge High School and the town’s growing commercial strip.
“You don’t expect to see a police officer crawling through a pipe to save a dog,” said one neighbor who witnessed part of the rescue. “But that’s just the kind of place Pea Ridge is. People look out for each other — and apparently, their pets too.”
The incident also highlights the importance of keeping an eye on pets during outdoor gatherings, especially when kids and animals are both running around. A ball or stick can be an invitation to explore, but storm drains and other hazards are often hidden in plain sight.
As for Dip, he’s back to his regular routine — chasing tennis balls in the backyard and lounging on the porch. His owner says he’s a little more cautious now, but just as curious as ever.
Source: 5News KFSM
