Holiday Miracle: West Hartford FD Rescues Deer Stuck On Ice

WEST HARTFORD, CT — In a Christmas miracle, one lucky deer stuck on the ice of a West Hartford reservoir was able to return to its family for the holidays Tuesday morning.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, the deer was rescued just after 9:17 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, on a Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) reservoir off Albany Avenue.

The WHFD said town dispatchers initially received a report that a deer had fallen through the ice there.

This prompted the WHFD and West Hartford Animal Control to meet up with MDC police to figure out what to do with the situation.

Citing MDC officers, the WHFD said deer periodically, do go through the ice, but they tend to succumb before rescue or be deceased when discovered.

But a miracle happened Tuesday morning.

"This morning, the deer was found to be alive, very alert, and reasonably close to shore," wrote WHFD Chief Greg Priest in a release Tuesday afternoon.

He said the WHFD is equipped and trained for ice rescue, but it is usually for people and/or pets.

On this day, responders decided to reach out and help a wild animal, Priest said.

"A careful, thoughtful, and collaborative decision was made among all the responders to attempt to rescue the deer," he said.

Two WHFD members donned water/ice rescue suits and approached the deer and they were greeted with a bit of good news upon arrival.

"Upon getting closer, it was evident the deer was not through the ice but could not stand up," Priest said.

Ultimately, the deer was rescued and brought to the West Hartford Police Animal Control Officer.

The ACO assessed and determined the deer was in a condition sufficient enough to be released, and it took off into the woods.

There were no responder injuries reported during the incident.

The deer was, merely, apprehensive about standing on the slippery ice and did not fall through.

Priest reflected on the situation, saying while he is pleased with the outcome, it should serve as a warning to people about staying safe on the ice.

"While ice rescue is not often performed, West Hartford Fire is pleased that we have this capability to offer our residents and visitors. While the story today has a happy ending for the deer, we are glad that the incident did not involve a human or pet," wrote Priest.

"Further, this situation presents the opportunity to remind the public about the dangers of walking on or allowing pets out onto ice, especially near where open water is visible.

"On behalf of our public safety colleagues in West Hartford, we would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season."