COLLINGSWOOD, NJ – Collingswood Police Department officers risked their own lives on Friday to save a woman and her dog that fell through ice and stuck in the frigid water at Cooper River Lake.
According to the department, on Friday, at 4:31 pm, officers responded to the area of the Cooper River Yacht Club for the report of a dog that had fallen through the ice.
“Prior to police arrival, officers were updated that the dog’s owner attempted to walk out onto the ice to save the dog, but also broke through the ice and was in the water,” the department said. “When officers arrived they observed a female lying face down on the ice approximately 20 yards from the bank.”
According to a statement from the department, officers quickly grabbed a water rescue rope, carefully walked onto the ice, and threw the female the rescue rope.
“They were able to pull her across the surface to where the ice was thicker, but due to the exposure to the cold, the female was unable to walk,” the department said. “Officers Bright, Burdalski and Barousse were able to successfully carry the female to the safety.”
The female was turned over to the Collingswood Fire Department and transported to a local hospital for treatment due to the exposure to the cold. The dog, Emmie, did not appear to be suffering from any injuries and was driven home and turned over to a family member.