CACHE COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 7, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A Cache County deputy armed with a life vest and a hatchet chopped through an ice-covered pond Friday night to reach a man who had fallen into the freezing water while trying to get to his dog after it fell through.
It happened at a pond near the Presto plant, in Lewiston.
“An adult male, attempting to rescue his dog that had fallen through the ice, became trapped in the freezing water,” says a news release issued by the Cache County Sheriff‘s Office.
“His children acted quickly and called 911 for help. Deputies arrived on scene to find Lewiston EMS and Smithfield Fire personnel had just arrived as well. Through a coordinated team effort, responders broke through the ice to reach the victim.
“In a remarkable display of bravery, one of our deputies, equipped with a life vest and a hatchet, entered the icy water and broke his way through the ice toward the victim. Shortly afterward, Smithfield Fire personnel followed behind the deputy. As the deputy reached the victim, the individual slipped underwater. Together, they successfully rescued the man and brought him to safety.
“The dog was also successfully rescued.”
The man is in stable condition after receiving medical care for cold exposure, the statement says, adding that the deputy was also evacuated as a precaution.
“This incident highlights the courage and dedication of our deputies, Smithfield Fire personnel, Lewiston first responders, and the exceptional collaboration between our agencies.”
