On the morning of Wednesday, January 13th, the Bedford Fire Department was called out for an animal stuck in the ice just off of Old Post Road near Upper Hook Road. Each year, only a handful of ice-related calls are answer by our department, and are more likely to be dispatched for animals than humans.
Rescue 44 and Ambulance 52-B1 both responded to the reservoir crossing on Old Post Road, reporting a "negative" sighting of the deer on the ice. Further investigation and contact with the original caller revealed their location to be on Route 35 well into Katonah's district. Our personnel and equipment continued in to the scene, and the Katonah Fire Department was dispatched for additional support.
The deer, a fully-grown buck, had made his way out onto the ice several feet into the reservoir, fallen through, and was unable to make his way back to land. Members of Bedford and Katonah, as well as the Bedford Police Animal Control officer wrestled the deer back onto land, and carried it to flat ground. To prevent shock and hypothermia, the deer was dried and wrapped in several wool blankets, and further insulated with leaves. The deer was given time and space to collect itself, and eventually walked off on its own.
Pictures are courtesy of the original caller, Rick Rodamar.
Units:
Car 2045, Rescue 44, Ambulance 52-B1
Mutual Aid:
Katonah Car 2211, 2213, Rescue 17, Utility 8, Bedford PD Animal Control, DEP Police
