Massachusetts fire department issues warning after 3 people and dog fall through ice

BEDFORD — Chief John Fisher reports that the Bedford Police Department rescued three people and a dog from the Concord River on Saturday afternoon.

At just before 2:45 p.m., Bedford Police responded to the Concord River boat ramp on Carlisle Road after receiving reports that a woman and her dog fell through the ice.

The preliminary investigation indicates a dog walking on the ice fell through the water. The dog’s owner then attempted to rescue the dog but fell through the ice herself. A second person with them went onto the ice to try to rescue them but also fell through.

A good Samaritan who saw them fall through the ice also entered the water to attempt to provide assistance.

Officers Patrick Coady and Daniel Sanchez quickly arrived on the scene. They used throwable emergency water and ice rescue disks and rope from the shore to rescue all three people and the dog within minutes of receiving the call.

Officers David Lopez and Mary Ellen Brickey also responded and assisted at the scene.

The Bedford Fire Department transported the woman to a local hospital for cold exposure.

The two other people who entered the water and the dog were not hospitalized.

“Officers Patrick Coady and Daniel Sanchez arrived within minutes and used their training and quick-thinking to rescue three people and a dog from the Concord River,” Chief Fisher said. “They did an incredible job and were able to pull everyone from the water before anyone was seriously injured. I also want to urge residents to stay off the ice. While no natural ice is ever 100 percent safe, icy waterways in Bedford are absolutely not safe for any human activities at this time.”