Just before 4:00 PM on December 15, West Mead 1 was dispatched on an animal rescue call for a dog in Tamarack Lake. West Mead 1 responded in 28-13, 28-14, and several personal vehicles, setting up operations in the dam access area along Tamarack Drive with Chief Terry Shaulis in command. Midday temperatures had reached 52 degrees Fahrenheit, but a thin layer of ice still covered portions of the lake. Crawford County Scuba Team was dispatched to assist with the rescue effort, and responded with their dive truck and trailer.

Thin ice covers portions of the lake during an animal rescue
Scuba dive truck and trailer during an animal rescue call on Tamarack Lake
Scuba team members deploy an inflatable raft during an animal rescue call on Tamarack Lake
Scuba team members deploy an inflatable raft during an animal rescue call on Tamarack Lake

West Mead 1 firefighter Brad Johnston paddled a personal kayak to the location the dog was last seen in the water. Two members of the scuba team deployed an inflatable raft and searched using an underwater camera in about 8 feet of water. With murky water conditions and the imminent onset of darkness, the efforts to recover the dog were unsuccessful, and the team returned to shore.

West Mead Police also responded to the incident.

West Mead 1 units were back in service by 5:20 PM. Thanks to all who responded to support the rescue efforts on this call.