Capsized Canoe Spurs Response To Paper Mill Pond In Vernon

VERNON, CT — A brief scare over a capsized canoe on Paper Mill Pond Thursday turned into at least a training exercise for Vernon firefighters.

The saga started on Thursday afternoon, when Vernon. firefighters, an EMS unit, a medic unit from Rockville General Hospital and Vernon police were sent to Gene Pitney Park after authorities received a vague message about an overturned canoe in the pond, according to fire officials.

The fire department launched its rescue boat to check the immediate area and retrieve the partially submerged canoe and the Tower 141 truck was set up for an "elevated perspective of the scene."

Vernon police combed the area and a resident eventually claimed ownership of the canoe and told officers it floated away from a home several days ago.

"Thankfully no life safety hazard was present, however a good exercise for resources," fire officials said.