Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in the Town of Essex responded to a dog trapped in the icy waters of Cedar Creek, at Cedar Creek Bridge just south of County Road 20, west of County Rd 23 (Arner Townline) in the Town of Essex.
OPP officers that were on scene, along with the animal control officer decided to attempt a rescue. One officer tied a rope around his body and waded out into the waters. The officer walked about 20 feet into the 38 degree water and retrieved the dog, and was pulled back to safety by fellow officers and the animal control officer.
Immediately following the rescue the male OPP officer began to show signs of hypothermia and was administered first aid by fellow officers. Essex Fire and Rescue responded along with Essex County Paramedics. The officer was retrieved from the dense bush by Essex Fire and Rescue and further treated by Fire and Paramedics. The officer was in the chilly water for about 2 minutes which was just above his waist line.
The officer was transported to area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and expected to make a full recovery.
The Essex Fire and Rescue would like to warn members of the public that thin ice and frigid waters are very dangerous, and citizens should NEVER venture into adverse conditions. At this time of year, hypothermia can set in within 2 minutes of exposure to the cold weather or cold waters.
The adult black Labrador Retriever was treated and expected to recover. The Essex Animal Control officer is investigating the “dog at large” by-law, related to this event.
