[Press Release] : Firefighters rescue dog from ice

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Gary L. Warren Jr. - (573) 499-7035 

Firefighters rescue dog from ice

COLUMBIA, MO (February 23, 2008) - Around 8:10 a.m. units of the
Columbia Fire Department responded to 4500 Bethel (Bethel Park) for an
animal rescue. This marked the second day in a row where firefighters
had to perform an animal rescue because of a stranded dog on or in the
ice.

Owner Cliff Opatken was walking his two dogs when one of them ventured
onto the ice on Bethel Lake and fell through about 30-40 feet from the
edge. Dave Weaver, a passerby, noticed what had happened and quickly
called 9-1-1.

As firefighters arrived they found Mr. Opatken walking out onto the ice
in an attempt to rescue his dog. Firefighters had to strongly urge him
to return to the shore and let them perform the rescue. A firefighter
using a “Mustang suit” (thermal wet suit with increased buoyancy)
was secured to a life safety line before wading into the lake to
retrieve the dog. While doing so the firefighter fell through the ice
and had to break her way through to the dog. Once the dog was reached it
was secured and the firefighter and dog were successfully pulled to the
shore. In all, the rescue lasted just over five minutes.

The dog was released to his owner (without injury) and the medic unit
provided blankets to warm and dry the dog. 

The Columbia Fire Department would like to remind pet owners to keep
their dogs leashed when walking them around frozen and partially frozen
bodies of water. Dogs in particular like to chase other animals (such as
geese) around the waters edge and onto the ice, which may not support
their weight. In the event your pet falls through the ice, under no
circumstances should you attempt to rescue the animal. Instead call
9-1-1 for assistance and give as accurate a location as possible.

- 30 -
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