Dog Rescued From Icy Pond By Howell Police, Firefighters

HOWELL, NJ -- Howell Township police and firefighters rescued a dog that got trapped in an icy pond Thursday when it chased after some geese, Howell police said.

Police were called to The Villages development shortly after 1:30 p.m. by a resident telling them her dog had fallen through the ice on a pond in the development, Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said.

Duke, a 9-year-old golden retriever, had run onto the pond chasing geese but fell through thin ice and was trapped, his owner told police, Antunez said.

Patrolwoman Stephanie Regina arrived and began to prepare to enter the water to rescue Duke, who was several yards from shore. Firefighters with the Adelphia Fire Company responded soon after and put a 14-foot ladder flat onto the pond. Firefighter Brian Prochnow acted as an anchor, stabilizing the ladder on one end, while firefighter William Kruse went onto the ice to retrieve Duke, Antunez said.

As Kruse reached Duke, the ice gave way and Kruse fell in as well, police said. But Kruse, who was waist-deep in the water, was able to grab the dog and both were pulled from the water, Antunez said.

Duke was carried into the house where Regina, Howell Police Capt. Mark Pilecki and Howell Township Deputy Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Victor Cook warmed him up with towels, blankets and a hair dryer. Duke's owner then took him to Garden State Veterninary Specialists in Tinton Falls as a precaution, Antunez said.

Kruse was treated for exposure at the scene by Howell First Aid and released, police said. Both Kruse and Duke are expected to be fine, Antunez said.

Photos provided by Howell Township Police