Garfield Police Rescue Pink Poodle Molly After Daring Passaic River Swim

A small pink poodle named Molly was rescued Monday after a daring swim across the Passaic River. The Garfield Police Department received a call at 4:15 p.m. about a loose pink poodle near River Drive and Lanza Avenue.  

Earlier, Molly’s owner had reported her missing from Aster Lane around 11 a.m., prompting police to share her photo on Instagram. Officers, including Sgt. Mariggi Lopez-Houck, P.O. Noah Murphy, and P.O. Benjamin Marceca, located Molly but struggled to catch her as she repeatedly evaded them.  

At 5:12 p.m., Molly leapt into the frigid Passaic River, swimming toward an island near Dundee Lake. Garfield and Clifton Fire Departments launched a joint rescue effort using boats and specialized equipment. At 6:38 p.m., a Clifton firefighter found Molly, cold but unharmed, and safely returned her to her relieved owner.  

Garfield Police thanked the good Samaritan who reported the sighting and the fire departments for their teamwork in rescuing Molly.