The morning of Christmas Eve, the West Hartford Fire Department rescued a deer that had fallen through the ice at the MDC Reservoir No. 6.

Deer stuck in the ice at the MDC Reservoir No. 6. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

By Ronni Newton

Christmas Eve is a busy time for a certain species of deer – and while we don’t have wild reindeer in West Hartford, and this one particular deer may not have been anticipating an important job ahead pulling Santa’s sleigh, it’s now been given a new lease on life, and the opportunity to live its regular deer life after being rescued from the ice Tuesday morning.

At approximately 9:17 a.m. Tuesday, the West Hartford Fire Department, along with West Hartford Police Animal Control, sprung into action for their unique task. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) had police contacted West Hartford Public Safety Dispatch to relay a report that a citizen had seen a deer that had fallen through the ice at Reservoir No. 6, at 2900 Albany Avenue.

Shore operations as part of the deer rescue at Reservoir No. 6. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

“Per the MDC officers, while deer go through the ice periodically, animals tend to succumb before rescue or be deceased when discovered,” Fire Chief Greg Priest said in an email. “This morning, the deer was found to be alive, very alert, and reasonably close to shore.”

Members of the West Hartford Fire Department engage in training for ice rescue, and have the equipment. “A careful, thoughtful, and collaborative decision was made among all the responders to attempt to rescue the deer,” Priest said.

Apparatus Operators Steven Teiger and Nikhom Keopraseuth took on the responsibility of approaching the deer after donning water/ice rescue suits. The deer was not completely through the ice, but was unable to stand up, Priest said.

Firefighters head across the ice to rescue a deer stuck at Reservoir No. 6. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

Video: @WestHartfordFD rescues deer trapped in the ice at the @MDCWater reservoir #WestHartford pic.twitter.com/pjaYfOer7X

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Teiger and Keopraseuth were successfully able to free the deer from its precarious situation, and bring it to the Animal Control officer who determined that it was healthy enough to be released. The deer took off into the woods.

The deer runs off into the woods after being rescued. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

There were no injuries to responders during the operation, Priest said.

“While ice rescue is not often performed, West Hartford Fire is pleased that we have this capability to offer our residents and visitors. While the story today has a happy ending for the deer, we are glad that the incident did not involve a human or pet,” Priest said.

It’s a good reminder, he added, about the danger for both humans and pets of walking on the ice, particularly if open water is visible.

“On behalf of our public safety colleagues in West Hartford, we would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season,” Priest said.

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