Arlington First Responders Pull 3 People From Spy Pond

ARLINGTON, MA — A man who fell through the ice in Arlington Sunday morning was the first of several people who would keep first responders busy throughout the day.

Police and firefighters were first called to the area off Hamilton Road around 11:40 a.m. for a person who had fallen through the ice about 100 yards offshore. Police found the 50-year-old Cambridge man holding onto the edge of the ice while treading water and pulled him in using a rope.

The man was evaluated at the scene and reunited with his family.

About two hours later, officers returned to the pond for a report of a person who had fallen through the ice near the area where the first man had gone under. They arrived to find a bystander pulling a man in a sled safely to shore. He was treated at the scene and taken to Mount Auburn Hospital.

Around 4 p.m., a third person fell through the ice. Firefighters pulled the man to safety, and he was taken to Mount Auburn Hospital.

Barricades were installed at several entrances to the pond following these incidents.

"I would like to commend all Arlington first responders who responded to these incidents at Spy Pond yesterday," Police Chief Julie Flaherty said. "I would also like to recognize the actions of all the bystanders who did the right thing by calling 911 immediately for further assistance. Thanks to the actions of our first responders and community members alike, all parties were able to be safely rescued without further incident."

Keep Dogs Off Ice

The Arlington Fire Department reminds residents to keep their dogs off of the ice. These situations can have tragic outcomes as it puts the dog, the owner and first responders in unnecessarily risky situations. Please keep your dogs and first responders safe and do not allow dogs on the ice.

Safe Ice at Skating Rink

Ed Burns Ice Rink offers Public Skate sessions throughout the week for a nominal fee. Skate rentals and sharpening are usually available during public skate times. View public skate times.