Fire and rescue units in the Endicott, Binghamton, Johnson City and Vestal areas have a new rescue unit courtesy of the Southern Tier Police Canine Association and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.

The newest piece of equipment is an oxygen mask for pets. The masks, presented to fire and rescue units at the Endicott Fire Station Wednesday by Liberty Mutual Service Manager Becky Vanek and sales representative Patty Weeks, will be put in the departments' resuscitator kits.

The masks were presented to the Endicott fire and police departments, Binghamton Fire Bureau, Johnson City Fire Department, Union Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Vestal Volunteer Ambulance Squad.

Vestal Police Officer Jared Fiacco found it difficult to get the department's new K-9, Kai, to put his nose in the mask. When Endicott Police Officer John L. Vanek provided dog treats, Kai was a more than willing demonstrator.

"At the scene of a fire, realize the citizens of the area have their companion animals' health, safety and well-being on their minds," said Endicott Fire Chief Tom Murphy. "After human life is secured, many times the department tries to save the stricken animals with makeshift pieces of equipment, often failing."

Binghamton Fire Chief Cliff Colgan and Johnson City Fire Chief Hank Michalovic agreed. There are times when rescuers have even tried month-to-mouth resuscitation to save a family pet, officials said.

Working dogs such as police K-9 and seeing-eye dogs that have medical emergencies can also be assisted by having oxygen administered to them.

The masks come in three sizes and are an initiative of HELP Animals, Inc., of Orange City, Fla. The Southern Tier Police Canine Association was instrumental in bringing the program to the area, Murphy said.