Dog Rescued By Police After Plunging Through Ice On Morris Co. Pond

CHESTER, NJ — A dog was rescued after falling through ice on a frozen pond earlier this week.

Police received a 911 call on Tuesday reporting that a Husky named Ghost had become stranded after falling through the thin ice at a pond off Old Chester Road.

The pond had frozen over after an Arctic polar vortex saw temperatures plummet in much of Morris County this week.

According to police, Ptl. Capone and Sgt. Notte were dispatched to the scene, where they found Ghost in distress. Despite the risk, the officers crawled out onto the ice with a department-issued snare to attempt a rescue.

At one point, the ice gave way, causing Ptl. Capone to fall into the freezing water, police said. Acting quickly, Sgt. Notte pulled both Ptl. Capone and Ghost to safety, likely saving the dog’s life.

Sgt. Henry and Officer Durkin arrived at the scene and began helping Ptl. Capone. He was rushed to Morristown Medical Center by ambulance to be checked out for exposure to the cold, but was quickly cleared and released without any issues.

Ghost was rescued from the water with no serious injuries.

"We are extremely proud of our officers' swift actions and thankful that everyone, including Ghost, ended the day safe and sound at home with their loved ones," Chester police said on social media.

Morris County has been under a cold weather advisory from the National Weather Service, with temperatures across the state hovering in the single digits and teens. Forecasters warn that in such extreme cold, frostbite and hypothermia can set in within minutes.

Temperatures on Thursday will remain below average but are expected to rise closer to the freezing mark, with another cold night ahead.

Over the weekend, temperatures will continue to warm into the 30s, possibly reaching the 40s. However, overnight lows on Saturday will dip into the teens and 20s.