Firefighters Rescue Dog That Fell Through Pond Ice

WEST CHATHAM -- Firefighters are using the rescue of a dog Tuesday afternoon as a reminder of the dangers of thin ice on area ponds.

At around 3:20 p.m., rescuers received a 911 call for a dog through the ice on Goose Pond. Firefighters were immediately dispatched, and Fire Chief Justin Tavano arrived about four minutes after the call came in. With help from the dog's owner, he directed incoming crews to the best access point for the south side of the pond, a spot about 250 feet through the woods behind 150 Goose Pond Rd.

When he arrived, Tavano spotted the dog with its head and front paws on the ice shelf, about 200 feet away from shore.

"The dog’s owner was on scene and stated that he had let the dog out approximately 15 minutes prior," reads a press statement from the fire department. An ambulance and pickup truck arrived with three firefighters specially trained in ice rescue skills, all dressed in cold-water immersion suits. They entered the pond at 3:30 p.m., and had the dog back on shore two minutes later.

"The dog, Goose, was cold and tired but showed no signs of severe distress. Goose walked with her owner up to the house to warm up by the fireplace," the press release reads. The dog's owner was advised to contact a veterinarian for possible follow-up care.

Firefighters say that while the rescue was a success, it serves as an important reminder that ice on ponds can be extremely dangerous. 

"In this case, the ice was several inches thick immediately adjacent to where Goose fell through. Goose’s owner did the exact right thing in this situation by calling 911 and resisting the urge to go on the ice himself," Fire Chief Justin Tavano said. "Additionally, he ensured responders were made aware of the best access point and made sure someone maintained a visual of Goose at all times while awaiting the arrival of rescue personnel."

Chatham police officers also assisted at the scene.