ice

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that Gloucester firefighters rescued a deer that fell through the ice at Fernwood Lake this morning.

On Thursday, March 14 at 8:14 a.m. firefighters were called to Fernwood Lake for a report of a deer that had fallen through the ice. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a deer struggling in water, dozens of feet away from shore.

Multiple crews from the Gloucester Fire Department collaborated on the rescue, including West Gloucester’s Engine 2 Crew of Firefighter Darrel Dench and Lt. Doug MacArther, and the Gloucester Fire Department Headquarters Ladder 1 crew of Acting Lieutenant Randy Silva and Firefighters Bob Grover, Andrew Pierce, and Jak Letien.

No one was injured and the deer was able to return to its natural habitat Thursday.

In light of this incident, the Gloucester Fire Department wishes to remind residents that it is not safe to step or walk on the ice. In the event a person or animal falls through the ice residents should always call the Gloucester Fire Department for help.

If someone does fall through the ice, and you cannot reach them from the shore, throw something like a rope, jumper cables, or tree branch to try and pull that person out. If the situation is too dangerous, however, residents should never put themselves in danger and instead wait for help to arrive or go find help.

“Thankfully, our firefighters were able to utilize extensive training and equipment to rescue this deer, and no one was injured in the process,” Chief Smith said. “The ice is not safe to walk across or step on, especially as temperatures begin to fluctuate as we head into spring. Residents shouldn’t be on the ice, and should never attempt such a rescue themselves.

Ice Safety Tips

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offers several ice safety tips, and also warns that there is never a guarantee that ice is safe to walk on and won’t crack or buckle.

If you fall through the ice:

  • Don’t panic.
  • Call for help.
  • Don’t remove winter clothing; air trapped in your clothing may provide warmth and help keep you afloat.
  • Turn the direction you came from–the ice you previously walked on will likely be the safest.
  • Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface of the ice and kick your legs. Once your torso is on solid ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
  • Once you are out of the water and off the ice, find shelter and warm your body. Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry clothing. Get to a car or house. If you’re in a remote location, start a campfire.

If someone else falls through the ice:

  • Call 911.
  • Shout to the victim to let them know help is on the way.
  • If you can reach them from the shore safely, extend an object such as a rope, tree branch, or ladder that they can grab hold of.
  • Toss one end of a rope or a similar object that will float to the victim.
  • If you cannot safely help, call 911 or go find help.
  • If a pet falls through the ice, call 911 for help or go find help. It is too dangerous to attempt to save a pet yourself. Always keep a pet leashed while walking on ice or near ice.

###

Arlington Police and Fire Respond after Ice Skater Falls Through Thin Ice

⋅ Police News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Arlington Police Department
Julie Flaherty, Acting Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan 14, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

 

Arlington Police and Fire Respond after Ice Skater Falls Through Thin Ice

ARLINGTON — Police Chief Julie Flaherty reports that the Arlington Police and Fire Departments responded to Spy Pond this afternoon after an ice skater fell through the ice.

Rescuers responded to the pond, at a location behind 4 Deveraux St. at 4:45 p.m. Upon arrival, police officers and firefighters were notified that the skater had fallen through the ice approximately 100 yards offshore within the past few minutes. Rescuers found the 68-year-old Arlington man holding onto a piece of broken ice. He was conscious and alert but in serious danger. The man’s wife was also out on the ice, trying to assist him. The two had been skating together.

Arlington Police Officer Michael Foley was the first on scene, and he provide a length of rope for the man to hold on to. Shortly afterward, firefighters arrived wearing water rescue suits. A firefighter jumped in the water to assist, and the Arlington Fire Department Water Rescue Sled was deployed across the ice out to the skater. Firefighters used the sled to bring the man back to the shore.

The skater and his wife were both treated for hypothermia by firefighters, and they were both transported to Mount Auburn Hospital. Both are expected to recover fully.

Chief Flaherty praised the quick thinking and professionalism of the rescuers.

“Rapid response time matched with the right training and equipment made the difference in this instance, and we are very grateful that the ice skater was able to be rescued safely,” Chief Flaherty said. 

Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Arlington officials warn that, at this time, it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Arlington.

Chief Flaherty and the Arlington Police Department offer the following general ice safety guidelines to all residents:

Thin Ice

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice two inches thick or less should be avoided completely. Ice with a depth of four inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  • Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  • Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
  • Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  • Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally weaker than pond ice.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  • If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

###

Stoneham Fire Department Provides Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Stoneham Fire Department
Chief Matthew Grafton
25 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044

For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 29, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: [email protected]

Stoneham Fire Department Provides Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips

Residents Reminded to Stay off the Ice

STONEHAM – With below freezing temperatures hitting New England this week and next, Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to remind residents about several important safety tips.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, daytime high temperatures will likely not rise above the teens from Thursday through the weekend, and high temperatures in some inland locations may not rise above the single digits. Overnight low temperatures will likely drop below zero.

A bout of especially cold wind chills is possible Saturday night into Sunday morning and Sunday night into Monday morning.

Despite the low temperatures, community remembers are urged to stay off the ice. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services states that the thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends on water currents, depth and natural objects (like tree stumps and rocks), and because temperatures fluctuate daily, the ice expands and contracts, effecting its strength. The only safe ice to skate on is at a skating arena.

“Our number one priority is keeping residents safe,” Chief Grafton said. “Temperatures this low can be extremely dangerous, so we strongly encourage everyone to remain indoors when possible. Community members should also remember that frozen bodies of water are not safe and should not be walked or skated on at any time.”

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Stoneham Fire Department recommends that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

    Additionally, because of the extreme cold, other areas of your home and vehicles may be affected.

Increased fire risk due to unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources or people trying to thaw frozen pipes with blowtorches or similar devices.

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Possible increase in incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.

  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper use of heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.

Possible vehicle failure.

  • Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.

###

Statement of Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement Issues

⋅ Client News, Police News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

2092

LAWRENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief James X. Fitzpatrick
90 Lowell St
Lawrence, MA 01840

For Immediate Release

Monday, March 13, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Statement of Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement Issues

LAWRENCE — Chief James Fitzpatrick issues the following statement:

“Over the last month, the Lawrence Police Department and the City of Lawrence have received numerous inquiries from residents who have read or watched news reports indicating an uptick in immigration enforcement by the federal government.

“In particular, news reports have made mention of a federal program called 287(g), which allows municipal police officers and sheriffs offices to be deputized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration law.

“I want to state unequivocally that the Lawrence Police Department will, in no way, participate in the 287(g) program. Participation in this program is at the discretion of the chief of police, and our community is not well-served by any Lawrence Police Department participation in it.

“For generations, Lawrence has been a city of immigrants and diversity. We embrace diversity.

“A police department exists only to protect and serve its people. If an immigrant is too afraid to call the police if they need help or are in danger, we cease to serve our purpose.

“The Lawrence Police Department does not conduct immigration status checks on the people it encounters. The only way an individual may face a check on their immigration status is if they are arrested for a violent felony. In such cases, the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement may place a hold on that person.

“Anyone with any questions or concerns may call my office at 978-794-5900.”

###

1 2 3 4