I believe that most people realize that police officers have been known to go out of their way in order to save a life. This holds true even if the life being saved has four legs and fur. The following is a story about a police officer who went beyond the call of duty to save a puppy from icy waters and probable drowning.
Officer Jon Smith, Lewiston Police Department, N.Y., saved a 10-month-old Labrador retriever after she fell through the ice.
The incident occurred at Bond Lake Park in Lewiston. It seems that a couple of friends were taking their dogs for a walk in the park, and seeing the dogs typically stayed close to their owners they decided to take their leashes off them. This is a decision they wish they could take back. About that time a flock of geese landed on the lake and off the dogs went. The older one didn’t venture out onto the frozen lake after the geese, but the younger, more daring one did. Her name is Kona.
Kona was not able to get out of the water on her own. Her owner was recovering from back surgery and was afraid the ice would break if he went out to her, so he called 911.
By the time the officers arrived on the scene, Kona had been in the water 10-15 minutes already. She was very tired and struggling. Two of the officers walked toward the dog, while Officer Smith started running to where Kona was in the water. He instinctively raced off to help the panicking puppy. He slipped on the ice as he ran, but he regained his footing and continued running to Kona.
Without hesitation, he took off his police equipment and stepped onto the ice where Kona was in the open water. It is reported that this was about 50 yards from the shore. Thankfully, the ice did not break, and he was able to pull her out of the water. Kona was a pretty big puppy at 75 lbs., but he got her out of the water and onto solid ground. It is amazing that he didn’t fall in himself. Kona immediately went to her owner.
The owner was beyond grateful. The Lewiston Police Department received a letter from Kona’s owner expressing gratitude for Officer Smith’s noble act.
“You should be proud to have Officer Jon Smith as a member of the Lewiston Police Department. His professionalism and bravery should be applauded,” Kona’s owner wrote.
He continued: “I have witnessed countless acts of selfless heroism; Officer Jon Smith’s actions rank high in my book. Kona and I will visit the police station soon to thank Officer Smith once again for his outstanding service.”
I personally know how fast something like this can happen. My husband and I were walking our dog, Nala, around a small lake recently. We let her off her leash as she stays close to us — normally. As in the story above, a flock of geese landed in the lake (there was no ice left on the lake) and Nala, who does not like the water, took off after the geese and the water was up to her neck before she realized what was happening. She looked back at us with shock because the water was extremely cold. She immediately headed our way. It can and does happen in the blink of an eye.
This isn’t the first time Officer Smith has acted heroically. Months earlier he was recognized for pulling an elderly woman from a burning house. Officer Jon Smith places others before himself and his safety. His acts of courage certainly go outside the call of duty.
Thank you, Officer Smith, for lending a hand and saving lives, whether it be a human being or a furry friend. Your actions go above and beyond what is expected. You are a hero in our book as well!
— Kris Hauser