Idaho Falls Firefighter honored for saving dog from frigid lake - East Idaho News
Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls Firefighter honored for saving dog from frigid lake

  Published at  | Updated at

EDITOR’S NOTE: EastIdahoNews.com is teaming up with the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho to honor ordinary individuals who have done extraordinary things to help others.
The winners of the 2016 East Idaho Real Heroes awards were announced at the American Red Cross’s annual luncheon Thursday, Feb. 25. Each day, through March 9, EastIdahoNews.com will feature a different winner.

IDAHO FALLS — On December 18, 2015, Idaho Falls Fire Battalion Chief, Ambulance 1, Engine 1 and Engine 4 responded to the Gem Lake Marina for a report of a dog that had fallen through the ice.

The dog’s owner directed crews to her location while firefighter/paramedic Dan Muhlestein donned his water rescue equipment en route to the scene.

On location, Muhlestein crawled approximately 20 yards over the ice to reach the dog while tethered to emergency crews on shore.

2016 Animal Rescue Hero Dan Muhlestein

While attempting to pull the dog out of the water, the ice gave way under Dan’s weight and he and the dog both ended up in the water. Muhlestein was able to lift the dog onto the ice and then pull himself back out as well. The dog then made its way back to the shore to its awaiting owner.

OTHER EAST IDAHO HERO RECIPIENTS

Brother, sister honored for saving boy from drowning in Idaho Falls

Fremont Deputy honored for helping colleague during violent crash

Pocatello firefighters honored for saving man who nearly died from carbon monoxide

EIRMC nurse honored for saving dying man on airplane

Fremont Search and Rescue Member honored for dedicated service

Idaho Falls man honored for donating massive amount of blood

Pocatello Army Medic honored for helping man on fire

SUBMIT A CORRECTION