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Heroic Rescue: Dog Saved from Icy Rhode Island Pond

1/3/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Phoenix, a yellow Labrador, fell through thin ice into a Rhode Island pond on New Year’s Day, prompting a response around 9 a.m.
Firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits reached Phoenix and rescued the dog after breaking through the ice.
Dramatic footage captured the rescue.
Phoenix and the rescuers were evaluated for hypothermia but did not require treatment, and the Misquamicut Fire Department emphasized that no ice is ever safe.

History

Historical Context

In 1980, the U.S. Coast Guard established new ice rescue protocols after multiple incidents of individuals and pets falling through ice. The Misquamicut Fire Department adopted these protocols to improve winter rescue safety. The recent rescue of Phoenix, a yellow Labrador, underscores the persistent dangers of thin ice, highlighting the critical need for community awareness and preparedness to prevent hypothermia.

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Story summary

Phoenix, a yellow Labrador, fell through thin ice into a Rhode Island pond on New Year’s Day, prompting a response around 9 a.m.
Firefighters equipped with ice rescue suits reached Phoenix and rescued the dog after breaking through the ice.
Dramatic footage captured the rescue.
Phoenix and the rescuers were evaluated for hypothermia but did not require treatment, and the Misquamicut Fire Department emphasized that no ice is ever safe.

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