This is the heroic moment a kindhearted police officer swam through a canal to rescue a stranded puppy in Arizona.

Officers were alerted to a struggling dog trapped in the water near 75th Avenue and Camelback Road in Glendale at around 8:30 pm on July 16.

Bodycam footage shows emergency responders arriving at the scene, assisted by bystanders who had been keeping an eye on the pup and helping direct authorities to its location.

One officer made the brave decision to enter the water. He was seen removing his gear before diving in and swimming towards the distressed animal.

He said: 'I got it! I got it.'

Another officer could be heard saying: 'Cop of the year right here!'

A photo taken shortly after shows the policeman soaked but smiling, holding the rescued puppy in his arms.

The dog was later reunited with its grateful owner.