FDNY Saves Dog Named Blue From East River During Pier 17 Fireworks Show (VIDEO)

New York City dogs save us from apartment fires and protect our subway stations from terrorist attacks -- but sometimes the city's canines need a little help of their own.

FDNY firefighters pulled a paddling pooch out of the East River last night at around 9 p.m. The Daily News reports, after the pup fell into the water during a fireworks display at Pier 17.

According to the News, crowds watched as the dog, named Blue, struggled to keep its head above water for nearly five minutes.

Firefighters were already at the Pier to monitor the pyrotechnics and were able to reach the dog quickly.

The dog's owner told onlookers the pup had broken free of his grasp, a witness told the News, adding that he had seen the dog walking free before the fall.

The video below shows firefighters using an emergency services boat to put a spotlight on the dog while using long poles with hooks to catch the dog's collar.

The raucous crowd erupts into cheers when the firefighters manage to hoist Blue back to safety, and at the end of the video, as the owners are reunited with their pet, someone in the background yells, "Blue! You are a fuckin' lucky dog, man!"