Firefighters Save Dog from Icy Pond
On the frosty morning of Monday, January 10, 2022, a call came in to dispatch that a dog had broken through thin ice on a rural North Franklin County pond and couldn’t climb out on its own. With precious minutes ticking by, help was urgently needed.
Firefighters from Franklin County Fire District 4 and Adams County Fire District 5 answered the call, dropping what they were doing in their everyday lives to respond. Arriving on scene, they found a large dog stranded about 40 yards from shore, shivering in the icy water.
With limited equipment available, the firefighters quickly came up with a safe and clever plan. Using a small pond boat and a Leatherman tool, one firefighter carefully maneuvered across the frozen surface toward the dog. At first, the animal was unsure of the unfamiliar rescuer — but soon realized help had arrived. Trust was built quickly, and the firefighter was able to hook the dog’s collar and pull it safely onto the ice.
“Cheers went up from the responders on shore as the dog was brought to safety. ”
What could have been a tragic start to the day turned into a moment of relief and celebration.
This successful rescue was possible because of the dedication of our firefighters. Their willingness to step in at a moment’s notice, often with nothing but creativity and determination, makes all the difference in emergencies like this one.
Franklin County Fire District 4 and Adams County Fire District 5 are proud of the teamwork that brought this pup home safe — and grateful for every firefighter who makes service to our community a priority.