On Friday January 5th at 1902 hours, units from Libertytown, New Market, and surrounding companies were alerted for an Ice Rescue in the 12400 block of Glissans Mill Road. BT15/U15 (AFC Bowles), A159 (EMS-II Poole), RS15 (DFC Kennedy), E152 (FF Rosebrock), C15 (FC Nalborczyk), and LT15-1 (B. Thews) responded on the call with 18 volunteers. First arriving units advised that a single subject was believed to be under water in an ice covered pond, after having tried to retrieve an animal. The SWT resources from Co. 15 quickly went to work devising and executing a rescue plan. Rescuers were sent out to search for the victim, who was located under the surface and captured by the first crew. A second team of rescuers from Co.15 and Co. 16 (Woodsboro VFC) made their way to the victim. The victim had to be secured with webbing and hail lines to drag the victim out, along with the rescuers. CPR efforts were begun as soon as the victim reached the shoreline. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. It is believed that the victim was under the surface for at least 50 minutes, and was rescued by crews in about 35 minutes. Chief 15 held the Glissans Mill Command. Great work to all involved in this very difficult rescue.

As a reminder, please stay OFF ice that is covering any body of water. In this region we simply do not get thick enough ice to reliably support humans due to fluctuating weather conditions. This can happen anywhere, at any time, so use caution when around the ice. Thank you.