German Shepherd Rescued by Indianapolis Firefighters on Icy Pond

Source: Indianapolis Fire Department

INDIANAPOLIS–The Indianapolis Fire Department saved a German Shepherd that fell through a frozen pond on the east side of Indianapolis on Sunday.

Firefighters were called to the 11800 block of Hartland Drive at around 5:30 pm, which is just east of the intersection of Cumberland Road and 10th street.

“The dog that fell through the ice and another dog were just playing around and doing just normal dog stuff when it happened,” said Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith.

Reith said the dog was in the water for about 30 minutes before the firefighters were able to get the dog out.

“But once we got the dog out, he was a happy pup. Other than being cold, he wasn’t hurt. The other dog did not fall into the water. We turned the German Shepherd over to animal care,” said Reith.

Reith said the firefighters used what’s called “gumby suits” to get on the ice.

“They’re the kind of suit that allows you to float. It’s like a personal flotation suit, if you will. They use that and a combination of ladders to equalize the pressure that we’re going to put on the ice and then a rope system to tether the person going out onto the ice,” said Reith.

Reith said you need to be especially careful on the ice this time of year because Indiana ice can be very unpredictable.

You can hear the full interview with Reith below.