From the Monroe County Independent

Columbia Firefighters Pull A Dog Safely Out Of Partially-Frozen Lake
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Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Jim Broshears, wearing a thermal wet suit, jumped into an ice hole and begins to lift Chase out of the lake.

Thanks to the fast action and continuing water-rescue training by the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, earlier today Chase the dog was pulled safely out of the icy waters of a partially frozen lake in the Columbia Lakes subdivision.

Pet owner Tony Tutor, who resides along Longview Drive in the subdivision, was taking Chase out for a stroll today just after 12 noon. Enjoying the snow and fresh air, Chase got loose from the lease and headed for a partially-frozen lake. Not listening to Tutor’s urging to come back and get off the water, Chase ran out onto the lake and fell through the ice about 30 feet from the shoreline. Tutor immediately called 911 from his cell phone and the CVFD was dispatched.

The firefighters have gone through thorough training on water rescues, including in frozen water conditions. This training and cold-water uniforms they have acquired was put to good use today. Firefighters Jim Broshears and Matt Stephens suited up while riding in a fire truck and they were ready to go as the truck arrived on the scene. Grabbing ropes, they heading out onto the lake and were soon out by the dog. Broshears jumped into the hole in the ice, grabbed Chase and pulled him toward Stephens. As soon as Chase was out of the water, he promptly shook himself off, and followed Stephens lead back to the shore. At that moment, Chase quickly ran into the arms of a very relieved owner who gave his pup a good petting to help warm him up.

Tutor quickly took the time to shake every one of the firemen’s hands who helped in the rescue. He and Chase then walked the short distance home where Chase was happy to be back inside a warm house.

“We put in a lot of training just for these types of situations,” said Mike Roediger, chief of Columbia’s volunteer fire department.

Earlier this week, the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department was called out to rescue a goose which was frozen in a lake.
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Columbia firefighters hold tight to a rope line as firefighter Jim Broshears rescues Chase from an icy lake in the Columbia Lakes subdivision.
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Columbia firefighter Matt Stephens, right, guides Chase off the partially frozen lake and back to the shore.
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After getting out of the icy water, Chase ran straight for its owner, Tony Tutor, left, who gives him a warming pet down to warm up his dog.
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As Chase shakes off the cold water from his body, pet owner Tony Tutor, left, shakes the hands of Columbia firefighters Rich Dreher, center, and Cole Dreher. “I really want to express my great thanks to all you guys for saving my dog,” said Tutor.


Monroe County Independent
120 N. Main
Columbia, IL 62236
(618) 281-8000
www.mocountyillinois.com (http://www.mocountyillinois.com/)