LAC LA BICHE – A dog that fell through the ice of a pond in a Lac La Biche area park is safe after being rescued by local firefighters.
John Kokotilo, the regional fire chief for Lac La Biche County, explained that Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue received a report of a dog that had gone through the ice at Alexander Hamilton Park on April 15, at 4:53 p.m.
According to Kokotilo, firefighters donned wet suits and used tether rope and an ice rescue sled to rescue the dog and bring it safely to shore.
When asked if rescuing a dog is different from rescuing a person in distress, Kokotilo replied by saying it is “Very similar, except at times animals are not as cooperative – this rescue went very well and was done very quickly.”
Incidents such as this one, Kokotilo continued, occur just about every year, usually at the beginning of winter and more often in the spring, when there is still ice on local bodies of water.
To ensure that they are prepared to respond to such incidences, Lac La Biche County firefighting personnel receive proper training throughout the year.
“Our firefighters are offered ice rescue training yearly-refreshers and also initial training for new personnel,” Kokotilo stated.
According to information from Lac La Biche County, due to their training, the firefighters who rescued the dog remained safe during the operation.
“We're pleased to report that the dog was very happy to be back on shore and reunited with her owner,” according to information from the County.
Lac La Biche County reminds residents to stay off ice at this time of the year, and to pay extra attention to children and pets when near any body of water.
“With the warmer spring temperatures, the ice can seem deceptively thick or stable but should not be stood on or walked across for any reason,” according to the County.
