New York: State trooper and dog need rescued after falling through ice

NEW YORK -- A state trooper needed to be saved today after he broke through ice and fell into chest-high freezing water as he attempted to save a dog that had also plunged into the frigid water, police said.

Shelby, a yellow labrador retriever, wandered out onto Muscoot Reservoir, located behind Kennedy Catholic High School off Route 138, shortly before 1 p.m., Somers Fire Department Chief George Wahlers said.

Troopers and Somers police responded, and while waiting for firefighters to arrive, trooper Christopher Spallone attempted to rescue the dog, according to state police.

Spallone, who is a 10-year veteran of the state police stationed in the Somers barracks, believed Shelby was in distress due to the frigid water temperature, so he ventured out onto the ice to attempt to rescue the dog. However, as he was returning to the shore line, the ice fractured and he broke through the ice — becoming stranded in chest-high water.

Spallone was in the frigid water for only minutes before a Somers police officer and a firefighter managed to save him and the dog.

“They did exactly doing what they’re supposed to do," Wahlers said of officers and firefighters. “Our guys were on shore and went in and got him.”

The trooper who fell through the ice was transported to Norther Westchester Hospital by the Somers fire department. He was treated there and later released, state police said.

The Somers police officer who helped remove Spallone from the water was also treated at the scene and declined further medical treatment.

Shelby is expected to make a full recovery.

Wahlers said there was also another person who reportedly attempted to rescue the dog before emergency personnel arrived at the scene. That person too fell through the ice, but managed to get out of the water. That person refused medical attention.

Police urge people to keep their dogs on leashes while walking near ice, and to call authorities rather than go out on the ice themselves to save a pet in the water.

Wahlers echoed that sentiment. While today's rescue had a happy ending, Wahlers said it could have been "a real disaster."

"If the trooper had gone out a little farther," he said, "it could have been a real disaster.”

(The Journal News | LoHud.com - Feb 13, 2016)