Niagara Falls fire captain died trying to save dog: reports

VINELAND, Ont. – A captain with the Niagara Falls Fire Department died trying to rescue a dog while off duty, according to reports.

Niagara Regional Police said Vail’s body was found on Tuesday night in Vineland, Ont. following a report of a missing person. Investigators said the 48-year-old Lincoln, Ont. resident had been walking his dogs in the area earlier in the day.

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NFFD Deputy Chief Phil Ross told the Niagara Falls review one of Vail’s dogs fell into a well or hole, and Vail attempted to save the animal.

“It appears that Timmy went to try and rescue the dog and he ran into trouble himself and he didn’t make it out,” Ross is quoted as saying.

Police said the circumstances of Vail’s death remain under investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.

The fire department said Vail is survived by his wife and two children.

With files from the Canadian Press.