Dog rescued after fall into icy lake

The dog was, well, dog-paddling for his life.

And thanks to members of the Bay Shore Fire Ice Rescue Team, the canine that fell through the thin late-winter ice of Lawrence Lake Tuesday morning is safe and sound, Bay Shore Fire Department second assistant chief John Ippolito said.

Capt. Edward Kunz Jr., Lt. Andrew Mills and firefighter Peter Rodeschin, saved the dog, which had gone through the ice about 150 feet from shore, just before noon, Ippolito said.

But not before two volunteer firefighters also went through the ice - into about 5 feet of water.

"The ice wasn't thick at all," Ippolito said. "As the members went out, they actually fell in. The first guy went through, then the second guy went through. The dog was through and was dog-paddling for his life, in the water from his neck down, his mouth almost under . . . The third guy finally was able to get out to them."

The incident was reported in a 911 call at 11:53 a.m., Ippolito said. The dog was out of the frigid water at 12:06 p.m. The lake is off Garner Lane.

After the dog was pulled out, Ippolito said it was treated by members of Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance and later returned to its owner. Ippolito said it was unclear how the dog got onto the lake.

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The Bay Shore Fire Department covers an area that includes lakes, canals, bays and marina areas, Ippolito said. He said the team, outfitted with special suits and equipment, trains regularly for such events. "It's great when all that training pays off," he said.