Photo Gallery

Large Animal Rescue
Sunday, February 3, 2019

On Sunday morning at 09:13 hours Station 15 was dispatched for a horse that had fell throught the ice at the Cozy Quarter Farm right down the street from Station 15. Special Ops 15 / 15 Marine 2, Rescue Engine 15 and C15 responded with 15 Captain 2, Paul Johnson establishing Delaware City Command. Command advised of a Clydesdale Horse that had fell through the ice about 40 yards from the shoreline. The owners were attempting to retrieve the horse when the horse became stuck in the mud and had to keep its head above the water and save it from drowning.

Command requested the NCC Surface Water Team and the KCC Large Animal Rescue Team. The homeowner had already called for their Veterinarian to respond. As crews arrived, New Castle Chief David Majewski established the staging area for the incoming resources. Crews from Delaware City, Port Penn and New Castle outfitted in Survival Suits assisted with both wrapping the horse with straps / 2" hose for removal as well as keep the head above the water. Several NCC Special Ops Members as well as Kent County units had arrived and assisted with the extrication.

Command decided to utilize the vehicles of Deputy Chief Allan MacKenzie and Firefighter John Albany [who had a front end winch on his jeep] to assist with the extrication. Additional crews that arrived on scene assisted with the rigging and also using chain saws to clear the path for the safe removal of the horse. After a little over an hours, crews successfully extricated the horse to land however the owners Veterinarian was able to subdue the horse to allow crews lay hay down and place blankets to attempted to relieve the hypertermia. After about 30 minutes the horse core temperature had increase and was released of the shackles on its legs, stood up and was guided back to the stables.

All crews were clear the scene by 12 noon.