Firefighters Rescue Trooper, Dog From Frozen Lake In Somers
SOMERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A close call on a frozen lake in upper Westchester County this weekend, as firefighters stepped in to save a New York State trooper who got stuck in the ice on a frozen lake while trying to save a dog's life.
John Tin, of Bensonhurst, was ice fishing Saturday when he saw Trooper Christopher Spallone sliding towards the trapped Labrador retriever on a make-shift sled.
"First, he had a piece of wood," Tin told CBS2's Lou Young. "And in the middle, the ice cracked. The two fell in the water."
According to rescue workers, Spallone put himself in harm's way for the animal and was lucky they were there.
"He was probably in the water maybe 30 seconds ... another minute or two and he could've gone under," Somers Fire Department Chief George Wahlers said.
Somers firefighters say they pull a couple of people from the lake every winter. Fishing on the icy lake is allowed by permit, but it's up to individuals to gauge the conditions.
"It's been cold, but as far as we're concerned, no ice is safe," Assistant Chief Jody Leverich said.
Spallone was treated at a local hospital and has since been released. The dog was checked by a veterinarian and required no treatment.