Man And Dog Fall Through Ice At Eisenhower Park, Both Rescued

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Police and Fire Departments were able to rescue a man and his dog that had fallen through the ice at Eisenhower Park, a top fire official said. The man was trying to rescue his dog when they both fell through the ice, said Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi.

The man was walking his dog and the dog spotted a team of ducks on the frozen pond and began chase. The dog fell through an area of thin ice and was struggling to swim back to dry ground.

"The dog's owner then attempted to navigate the ice in desperation to rescue his pet. He ultimately fell through the thin layer of unstable ice which could not support his weight. Bystanders who witnessed the event immediately called 911 for assistance," Fabrizi said.

Milford Police arrived on scene and assisted the man out of the water after he was overcome by the frigid temperature. Milford firefighters arrived on scene in specially designed cold water rescue suits and entered the water to rescue the canine. Both the man and his dog were treated for cold water exposure and hypothermia by fire department paramedics.

The man was transported to Milford Hospital for evaluation while his dog was brought to a local veterinarian for treatment.

"The Milford Fire Department reminds everyone to avoid walking on any ice covered bodies of water. Fluctuating temperatures render the ice to become very weak creating a hazardous condition," Fabrizi said.