FRANKLINVILLE, NY – A heroic act by a New York State Trooper was caught on the officer’s body camera as he rescued an ice fisherman who had fallen through the ice.
According to the New York State Police, on February 26, 2022, Trooper Joseph Butler Jr. responded to Case Lake in the town of Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, for an ice fisherman who had fallen partially through the ice about 75 feet from shore.
“Trooper Butler retrieved a rope from his patrol car and brought it to shore. At that point, another ice fisherman walked out on the ice and tied the rope to the victim,” the NYSP said in a statement. “Trooper Butler, Trooper Troy Andrews and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputy Trevor Norse pulled the victim to shore, wrapped him in blankets and removed his wet clothes.”
The victim was treated at the scene by the Franklinville Fire Department and transported to Erie County Medical Center.
“As the body-worn camera video shows, the quick actions of the troopers, sheriff’s deputy, ice fisherman and emergency medical personnel likely saved the victim’s life,” the NYSP said.