Woman rescued from slough after trying to save her dog
Prairie du Chien Police Department body cam footage shows several law enforcement officers and fire department personnel responding Friday to the St. Feriole Island Slough, where a woman fell through the ice. They were able to rescue both the woman and her dog.
By Correne Martin
A 72-year-old woman was rescued and treated for hypothermia after she fell through the ice on Prairie du Chien’s St. Feriole Island Slough Friday afternoon, while attempting to save her dog, according to the Prairie du Chien Police Department.
At about 1:30 p.m., the police department and Prairie du Chien Fire Department were dispatched to the slough boat landing for a report of someone falling through the ice and in the water.
The local emergency personnel responded to the scene along with Tri-State Ambulance Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival, a woman was found completely submerged approximately 15 yards from shore. She was severely struggling to stay above water, according to police reports. It also became evident that a large dog was in the water and struggling to stay above water.
Law enforcement personnel attempted a water rescue. Three officers eventually broke through the ice as well. Several water rescue tools were used to successfully rescue both the woman and her dog, the police department said.
The woman was taken by ambulance to Crossing Rivers Health for treatment.
During the course of the investigation, Chief Kyle Teynor said it was determined the dog ran onto the ice and fell through. The woman then tried to retrieve her dog, when she fell through the ice. She struggled in the water until a passerby heard her and called 911.
Prairie du Chien Lieutenant Casey Cox, and Crawford County Sheriff’s Lieutenants Ryan Fradette and Wade Hutchinson were recognized at Tuesday night’s Prairie du Chien Common Council meeting for their quick and selfless actions of valor in saving the woman and her dog from a potential fatal catastrophe, according to a city resolution.
Many other first responders took part in this rescue as well, Teynor said, with the common goal being to preserve life and they did so successfully.
“The actions that happened Friday are what make me proud to be a police officer,” Teynor commented. “It was a testament to what law enforcement does.”
Both Cox and Fradette spoke briefly and humbly stated that they were only doing their job.
“We just happened to be the first ones there. We were fortunate enough that we could be successful in saving her and saving the dog as well,” Cox said.
The city resolution honored the three officers’ for their actions to save the life of a citizen and for their many years of service to the community.
“You made us proud,” Mayor Dave Hemmer added, as a standing ovation followed from common council members.
Though the results of this incident were favorable, Teynor has an important lesson to share with the community:
“This is the third such incident where either a tragedy has occurred or narrowly avoided as a result of dogs being off leash while on St. Feriole Island in recent years,” Teynor stated. “Residents and visitors are reminded that leashes are required for dogs at all times while on St. Feriole Island. Those wishing to walk their pets off leash are encouraged to use LaRiviere Park or join the fund-raising efforts currently underway to complete the proposed Prairie du Chien Dog Park.”
