Great Falls Firefighters Rescue Dog From Frozen Waters

Thursday, March 7^th D-Shift was able to rescue a dog struggling to get back up on the ice after chasing some geese out by the river. The downtown crew saw the dog swimming just off the ice shelf and made the quick decision. “We know that section of the river, so our guy just went out with normal firefighters clothing on and just grabbed the dog and helped him get his legs up on the ice,” explained Bob Shupe, Assistant Fire Chief with Great Falls Fire Rescue. The small crowd cheered as Captain Brandon Jaraczeski and the dog both walked back. “For some people it could be a significant event, but for us it was pretty minor,” Explained Bob Shupe.

Waterfowl usually sit on the edges of ice shelves. When pets get loose and try to chase them, they can fall in and have a hard time getting back out. Often, pet owners will try to rescue their beloved pets and end up falling in themselves, becoming victims as well. Therefore, it is best to keep pets on a long lead or rope to prevent them from being lost in the river.

The Great Falls firefighters practice ice rescue quite extensively. “All of our members go through it,” explained Bob Shupe. “We practice technical rescue with ropes on the ice and off the ice. We have different techniques that we use depending on how far off they are. The big take away there is to stay off the ice, keep your kids off the ice, and your pets as well.”

At this time there are currently five new recruits going through an extensive eight-week training academy which started February 20^th. This class is held one to two times per year depending on new personnel. “Recruit Training Academy is pretty much fast and furious,” explained Bob Shupe. “It has everything to do with becoming a firefighter and how we operate here in Great Falls. These guys train 10-hour days Mondays through Thursdays.”

To all the firefighters who consider what they do a normal day-to-day lifestyle, we are grateful for your heroic and selfless service.