NORTHBOROUGH, MASS. — A group of Northborough firefighters received top honors this week after pulling a woman and her dog from freezing mud and ice in a dramatic February rescue that occurred just one day after completing ice rescue training.
District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. on Friday awarded Fire Chief David Parenti and Firefighters Dante Brindisi, Ethan Ward, Ryan Snee, and Christopher Tetreault with the Team Excellence and Merit (TEAM) Award, recognizing their swift and coordinated response to the Feb. 27 emergency in Carney Park.
“These first responders put their training to quick and effective use, helping this woman and her dog out of a precarious situation,” Early said in a statement. “They literally trained for this the day before this save.”
The incident unfolded around 10:44 a.m., when Northborough Fire received a 911 call reporting that a woman had become stuck in ice and mud while chasing her Australian Shepherd, Sydney. Fire crews arrived within five minutes and quickly launched a rescue operation.
Firefighter Ryan Snee, wearing a rescue suit, reached the stranded woman within three minutes of entering the icy water and pulled her to safety. Firefighter Christopher Tetreault was waiting on shore to provide medical evaluation.
While the woman was treated, Firefighter Brindisi scouted routes to retrieve the dog. Snee then re-entered the water and brought Sydney back to safety.
The woman and her dog were reunited just after 11 a.m., ending the emergency with no reported injuries.
The TEAM Award, created in 2019 by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, recognizes public safety employees who demonstrate exceptional service beyond routine duty.
Key Points
- Firefighters rescued a woman and her dog from ice and mud in Carney Park on Feb. 27.
- The rescue occurred one day after the fire department completed ice rescue training.
- DA Joseph Early Jr. presented five Northborough firefighters with the TEAM Award.