Volunteer firefighters braved freezing water, slush, ice and extreme temperatures to rescue a dog stranded in icy waters in Sherrill.

On Sunday December 18 the Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department was called to rescue the dog, 'Colby' that was trapped in a creek and unable to get to shore near Kenwood Road. “Colby” was on a small island in the middle of the creek. The animal was barking and pacing the small island, afraid to reenter the fast-moving and very cold water.

Stephen Davis and Wyatt Hasty from the Sherrill Fire Dept dressed in cold water rescue suits to make their way across. "This normally calm stream had become a very fast moving waterway, which was swollen to its banks. Areas along the creek bank of thin ice were slowly breaking away."

Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department
Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department
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Firefighters believe the dog walked onto the thin ice that gave way and the animal swam or was swept to the small island area.

Several attempts were made by Firefighters Hasty and Davis to get a collar, leash or harness around the dog but unfortunately, it was too scared to allow any contact.

Firefighter Jeff Kobler of Sylvan Beach Fire Dept entered the water and was able to reach the island and assist Sherrill Rescue personnel. The three gained control of the very agitated dog and applied a collar, leash, harness and rescue ropes. The dog was then successfully pulled to safety on the creek bank to the dog’s waiting family.

"The actions taken by Firefighters Davis, Hasty and Kobler were exceptional, along with the support in place on the shoreline by additional emergency personnel from all agencies involved."

Oneida Castle and Vernon Volunteer Fire Dept assisted in the rescue. Vineall Ambulance was also on scene.

No one was injured in the rescue and the dog was taken home where he's warm and dry.

"The Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Dept would like to extend its appreciation to the mutual aid fire departments that responded and assisted with this operation. We feel extremely fortunate to have highly trained and equipped personnel that are ready, willing and able to respond at a moment’s notice to assist in incidents such as this. This is an example of a seemingly simple incident which evolved to a potentially dangerous situation for all involved. Having fellow emergency personnel willing to assist is a benefit which we will always be grateful for."


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