Dramatic Ice Rescue Brings Golden Retriever to Safety on New Year’s Day
In a heart-stopping start to the new year, firefighters from multiple Rhode Island departments performed a daring rescue operation across treacherously thin ice to save a beloved golden retriever named Phoenix. The dramatic rescue unfolded shortly before 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Little Masachaug Pond, where Phoenix had wandered onto the frozen surface during a morning walk with his owner. Tragedy nearly struck when the ice gave way near the center of the pond, plunging the dog into the freezing water while his helpless owner watched from shore. Within minutes of receiving the distress call, members of the Misquamicut Fire Department, alongside the Westerly Ambulance Corps and Westerly Police Department, arrived at the scene to find Phoenix struggling to stay afloat, unable to pull himself back onto the fragile ice surrounding him.
The rescue required careful coordination and specialized equipment, prompting Deputy Chief Howard to request additional assistance from the Watch Hill Fire Department. Dressed in bright orange and red ice rescue suits and tethered by safety ropes, brave firefighters crawled methodically across the dangerous surface, where each movement risked breaking through the thin ice. Photos and video captured the intense moments as chunks of ice cracked beneath them, highlighting the perilous nature of the mission. Meanwhile, additional personnel remained on shore, prepared with backup equipment including an inflatable rescue boat, ready to respond if conditions worsened. The scene exemplified the extensive training and preparation these first responders undergo for exactly these types of emergencies – training that proved vital as they inched closer to the stranded animal.
The tension of the moment was palpable as rescuers finally reached Phoenix, who had been fighting for survival in the freezing water. With careful maneuvering, the firefighters managed to secure the golden retriever and begin the equally dangerous journey back to shore. The successful extraction brought immense relief to Phoenix’s anxious owner and to the emergency crews who had worked so efficiently together. After reaching solid ground, both Phoenix and his rescuers were assessed for potential hypothermia and other cold-related conditions. Fortunately, the fire department reported that everyone, including Phoenix, was “doing well” following the ordeal – a remarkable outcome given the extreme conditions they had faced.
What made this rescue particularly noteworthy was the seamless collaboration between multiple emergency agencies. The Misquamicut Fire Department praised the quick response and teamwork displayed by all involved, including members from both fire departments who had donned ice rescue suits and entered the dangerous conditions without hesitation. The rescue crews’ dedication didn’t go unnoticed by the public, either. As news of the dramatic save spread on social media, community members expressed their gratitude and admiration. “God bless you for saving that pup. Responders like you remind us that there is good and kindness,” wrote one Facebook user, while another commented, “We are all so lucky to have such great fire and rescue departments. A very lucky dog!” Such responses highlight the special place that animal rescues hold in the public consciousness, often bringing communities together in appreciation of first responders.
The incident, which became the Misquamicut Fire Department’s first call of 2026, served as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by frozen bodies of water. The department took the opportunity to issue an important public safety message: “No ice is ever safe.” Despite the seemingly solid appearance of frozen ponds and lakes during winter months, conditions can vary dramatically across the surface, with some areas being dangerously thin even when others appear strong enough to support weight. This reality is precisely why fire departments across colder regions maintain specialized ice rescue teams and equipment, prepared to respond when pets or people find themselves in similar predicaments. The department noted that while their firefighters train extensively for ice and cold-water rescues, these situations remain extremely hazardous even for trained professionals.
Phoenix’s rescue story resonates beyond just an animal being saved – it exemplifies the dedication of emergency responders who risk their own safety to help others, whether human or animal. The chiefs from both the Misquamicut and Watch Hill Fire Departments extended kudos to everyone involved for their quick response and teamwork that morning. For Phoenix and his owner, what began as a routine New Year’s Day walk could have ended in tragedy if not for the rapid response, specialized training, and courage of these firefighters. As winter continues and more bodies of water freeze over, this rescue serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of venturing onto ice and a heartwarming reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which first responders will go to protect the communities they serve – including their four-legged members.
