Hats off to these Rhode Island firefighters who courageously came to the rescue of a yellow labrador in distress on New Year’s Day.
Just before 9:00am the Misquamicut Fire Department and The Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc., along with the Westerly Police Department, were dispatched to Little Masachaug Pond off for a water rescue. When they arrived on scene they found Phoenix, a yellow lab, struggling to stay above the frigid water and unable to move with his owner watching the terrible scene unfold from shore.
Phoenix and his owner had been out on an early morning walk when the dog wandered onto the frozen pond and busted through a thin layer of ice near the center. Members from both fire departments quickly tossed on their survival suits and bravely entered the icy waters to save Phoenix. Thankfully their swift response brought the endangered dog back to safety marking the successful first call of 2026 for both fire departments.
All the firefighters who entered the water were evaluated by EMS for possible hypothermia but did not require treatment. We would like to join the chiefs from the Misquamicut Fire Department and Watch Hill Fire Department in celebrating the excellent work by these courageous firefighters:
“No ice is ever safe. Our firefighters train extensively for cold water and ice rescues, but these situations are extremely dangerous. All of the Chiefs from Misquamicut Fire Department and Watch Hill Fire Department extend kudos to everyone involved for their quick response and teamwork this morning.” –Misquamicut Fire Department
