Newburgh Community Mourning The loss of Nick The Fire Dog

The Newburgh, New York community and the Hudson Valley are mourning the loss of Nick The Fire Dog.

Newburgh Fire Department Rescues Dog, Makes Him Part of The Family

In 2017 firefighters at the Newburgh Fire Department started to receive calls about a dog tied up to a fire hydrant about a block away from the fire house.

At the time Firefighter Timothy Dexter went to scope out the scene and came upon a young pit bull. Dexter took in the dog, named him Nick and made him an official member of the Newburgh Fire Department.

Nick was a local celebrity visiting schools and hanging out at the fire house, but things really took off after Dexter posted a TikTok about Nick's story. The video went viral and Dexter turned Nick's Story into a children's book called The True Story of Nick the Firedog.

Newburgh Community Says Goodbye To Nick The Fire Dog

O'Dell took to social media earlier this week to share a devastating update.

In a heartfelt message, where O'Dell calls Nick a "brother to me and every firefighter that knew and loved him," he shares that Nick was ready to go home.

O'Dell writes

Due to a health condition that has rapidly declined over the past month WE will be sending Nick home. This isn’t a decision that we make lightly, and honestly I wish that he could live forever but that just isn’t the case. Our Nicky boy is in pain and he is suffering.

On Monday May 19th, 2025, Nick the Fire Dog crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Nick's firefighter family and members of the community showed up to give Nick a beautiful send off. You can watch below:

We send our deepest condolences to Christopher O'Dell and the rest of Nick's family at the Newburgh Fire Department.

Our Time With Nick the Fire Dog at Townsquare Media of The Hudson Valley

When The True Story Of Nick The Fire Dog was released we had the opportunity to meet Nick and the author of the book Timothy Dexter.

Nick the Firevia JBuono

They duo stopped by the studio and Nick made an impression right away. Nick was able to sniff around the whole radio station and at one point wandered into our boss' office.

We still laugh about that to this day! Nick left a huge impact on the Hudson Valley and will be missed.

City of Newburgh Firefighters Save Dog on Frozen Hudson River

Lilly, the dog needed a little help from Truck 1 and the City of Newburgh Fire Department back on February 11th. Thankfully, she was returned to her owners without injury. Round of ap-PAWS for the City of Newburgh Fire Department for their quick response and heroic efforts.

Gallery Credit: Timothy Dexter

10 TV Shows & Films You Didn't Know Were Made in Newburgh, New York

Gallery Credit: Nick Kessler

LOOK! Abandoned Orange County Chopper HQs in Newburgh-TLC's 'American Chopper'

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

In 2003, a father-son business reality show hit the Discovery Channel. It was called American Chopper and it followed the custom motorcycle-building business of the Teutul family out of Newburgh, NY. Paul Sr. owned the shop with sons Paul Jr. and Mikey working in the business. There was a slew of cast and characters. The center of the show wasn't just the amazing custom motorcycles built for celebrities and others, it was the volatile relationship between Sr. and Jr. The show ran for 12 seasons before the two could no longer get along. It ended up in lawsuits and the two not talking for ten-plus years. In the past few years, the business moved to Florida. This left the 61,000-square-foot headquarters for sale and abandoned. Take a look at what remained of Orange County Choppers.