Columbia Fire Department saves lost dog in ice rescue, Dec. 16

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 2:13 p.m., Columbia Fire Department (CFD) units were dispatched to an ice rescue in the 2000 block of Osage Drive.

CFD units arrived within six minutes to find a dog approximately 30 feet away from shore in a partially frozen residential pond. Recognizing the danger, a firefighter wearing specialized ice rescue gear entered the water and quickly rescued the dog.

The dog was examined and warmed up by CFD firefighters and MU Health Care paramedics. No injuries were reported.

After neighbors were unable to identify the dog, Animal Control was requested to respond to the scene to assist. They identified the dog as a chow chow named Bear, who had been reported missing earlier in the day. Bear has since been happily returned to her family.

Three Columbia Fire units, comprising nine personnel, responded to this incident.

The Columbia Fire Department would like to remind residents to be safe and careful around frozen bodies of water. Although temperatures may rise, ice may remain and cause an unstable environment. If you see a person or pet fall through ice, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Call 911 immediately and wait for trained professionals to respond.

Attachments:

• 'Bear' being rescued by CFD firefighter

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