In a heroic act of bravery, two Medina police officers rescued a dog from a freezing pond Thursday morning, saving the animal’s life in a dramatic rescue. Officer Chris Brink and Officer James Terwilliger responded to a distress call at 8 a.m. when a dog was struggling to escape the icy waters, with temperatures hovering around 12 degrees.
The officers, who had recently completed ice-rescue training with the Medina Fire Department, wasted no time. They quickly devised a plan and, using a combination of rescue rope and a catch pole, managed to pull the frightened dog to safety within just three-and-a-half minutes. With the dog now safe, the officers comforted it while Medina firefighters helped warm the animal up. The Medina Veterinary Clinic later confirmed the dog was in good condition and would be reunited with its family.
The dog’s rescue was even more meaningful when it was discovered that the pup had been missing earlier in the day, and the officers were able to piece together the timeline using neighborhood social media pages. Thanks to the community’s collaborative efforts, the dog’s safe return was ensured.
The officers, also parents, offered a reminder to both pet owners and families to be cautious during winter months. Officer Brink emphasized the importance of discussing ice safety with children and warned that not all ice is thick enough to walk on safely. The officers’ message is clear: ice can be dangerous, and awareness is key.
What made the day even more extraordinary was that Officer Brink wasn’t done with animal rescues yet. Later, he helped rescue a horse that had slipped and fallen on the ice in nearby Lafayette Township. With the assistance of various agencies, the horse was safely helped, making it a day full of compassionate acts.
Officer Brink described the day as “unique,” but for the community, it was a reminder of the selfless dedication of their local police officers in times of crisis.
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