A happy ending after a rescue on the Richibucto River.
Rexton Fire Chief Brent Goodwin says they quickly responded just before 10 o’clock Thursday morning after reports of a doe and a young deer that had fallen through the ice.
He says the deer were in the middle of the river, around 500 feet out, “The smaller deer managed to get out on its own and took off, but the doe was having trouble. They were in the water for probably around 15 minutes before we arrived and then we finally got her out of the water by 10:30 or 10:45, so it was quite awhile.”
Goodwin says they work closely with the Richibucto Fire and Rescue and have the required ice rescue equipment.
He says it took around six of them to carry the doe once they got her out, “We put her on the rescue sled, that’s how we got her to shore.”
They wrapped the deer in blankets to warm her up, but she appeared to be doing well, “She was very tired and breathing heavy, but at one point she jumped up, with her tail in the air, and went into the woods. That’s a pretty good sign when they take off like that.”
Goodwin says based on the size and weight of the doe, they think she was pregnant.
A total of 16 firefighters from both Rexton and Richibucto assisted with the rescue.
A joint effort between Rexton and Richibucto Fire Departments occurred this morning with the successful ice rescue of…
Posted by Rexton Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday, January 28, 2021
The two departments have participated in other rescues before, “Normally this time of year, the river is frozen over, and the snowmobiles are crossing, but this has really been an abnormal winter. We have rescued deer before. We’ve rescued children and we’ve had a few dog rescues. We live on the water, so that’s what we deal with,” Goodwin says.
This serves as a reminder that the ice isn’t thick enough this year to venture out onto.
“Unfortunately you can tell people not to cross, but not the animals,” Goodwin joked.
The department decided to post details of their rescue on their Facebook page this time. Goodwin says people are dealing with so much stress right now due to the pandemic, “We thought it might make people smile a little bit during these tough times.”
A joint effort between Rexton and Richibucto Fire Departments occurred this morning with the successful ice rescue of this expecting doe. Our mission is to save lives wherever and whenever possible. An example of what proper equipment, training and partnership can do. A different type of rescue, but feels good during these trying times. 🦌 Stay safe one and all!
Posted by Rexton Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday, January 28, 2021
