Emergency Operations Team Saves Dog that Fell through Ice on Shelley Lake
Spokane Valley Deputies and Emergency Operations Team (EOT) members responded to reports of a dog that fell through the extremely thin ice on Shelley Lake. EOT Diver Deputy Stephan Moore donned his ice rescue suit and slowly moved onto the fragile ice while tethered to EOT members on shore. Once Deputy Moore made it out to the dog, he broke through the ice himself, but with the protection of his ice rescue suit, he secured the dog in his arms, and they were both pulled back to shore by rope. Spokane Valley Firefighters assisted during the incident and provided treatment to help warm up the very cold and wet canine until Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) arrived.
The video of the rescue is from clips of two body worm cameras.
On February 4, 2023, at approximately 6:10 pm., EOT Diver Deputy Stephan Moore, wearing an ice rescue suit and tethered to EOT members on shore, began to make his way out onto the weak and thin ice in Shelley Lake to rescue a dog (approximately 40 yards offshore) that had fallen through into the frigid water. Deputy Moore eventually broke through the thin ice but grabbed ahold of the pup and signaled EOT members to pull them back to safety.
Spokane Valley Firefighters assisted during this rescue and provided aid to the extremely wet and cold canine until SCRAPS arrived.
The Emergency Operations Team is well-equipped and trains for ice and water rescue. People who do not have this type of equipment and training should not attempt a rescue like this. Hypothermia can occur in minutes, leaving a well-intentioned rescuer to become a victim of a possible life-threatening situation.
With warming temperatures, ice on the surrounding lakes is melting, creating unpredictable and potentially deadly conditions. Please, for your safety, stay off the ice.
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