In Springfield, Missouri, retired Missouri State University softball coach Holly Hesse, had been walking her two dogs, Reba and Bailey near Lakeshore Apartments’ pond when her small terrier dog fell through the ice. As the woman went to rescue her dog fearing the puppy could drown, she also fell through the ice.
According to the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue, it had been Captain Chris Gardner and equipment operator Tyler Nevins, with the help of the water rescue team, that saved both Hesse and her dog.
Battalion Chief Christopher Roush, who oversees EMS and Special Operations, videoed the rescue. Chief Ben Houston was on scene organizing the response. He led the command of firefighters from multiple stations who were setting up for the incident as the water rescue team arrived.
The team used special equipment to enter the water. Hesse was brought to shore and taken to the hospital. The dog was shivering from the cold, but rescuers warmed her up, and she’s reported to be doing fine.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reminds pet parents to keep dogs on leashes and NOT to let them walk on any bodies of water. There is no way to know if the ice will support your dog’s weight, and if your dog falls through, the situation could end in tragedy for both owner and dog.
According to the Springfield MO Fire Department, every year, 250 Americans die after falling into icy ponds, lakes, and streams and rescuers have only moments to respond and bring victims to safety. Team members braved the cold this week to practice safely breaking through the ice, executing self-rescue and victim movement maneuvers.
The Springfield Fire Department sent out a reminder to the public to stay off the ice.
While at the surface the ice appears solid and capable of supporting your weight, the reality is much different which could result in falling through the ice into very cold water,” Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington says. “This becomes a dangerous and very serious situation very quickly.
If you witness someone playing on ice or who has fallen through the ice, the Fire Department wants to remind you of a few important actions to help save a life. Call 9-1-1 so that the Water Rescue Team is promptly notified and responding.
Many thanks to our firemen, first aid responders and police for their heroism.
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