In a heart-stopping incident captured on body camera, a Minnesota deputy from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office took swift action to rescue two fishermen and a dog after they fell through the ice while ice fishing in Nowthen. The incident occurred on December 3, 2023, and the deputy’s heroic efforts were commended by the sheriff’s office.
Upon receiving a call for help, deputies rushed to the scene and discovered that two men and a dog were stranded in freezing waters. A passerby had managed to provide them with a canoe while waiting for emergency responders. Despite initial hesitations from fellow deputy Curt Grabmeier, Deputy Chris Fjeld made the courageous decision to begin the rescue operation before the arrival of the sheriff’s office marine unit.
As Deputy Fjeld prepared to venture onto the frozen lake, Grabmeier expressed his concerns about the risky situation. Undeterred, Fjeld insisted that the individuals were experiencing hypothermia and could not wait any longer. With the tethered rope secured, Fjeld made his way onto the ice, crawling on his belly to reach the stranded fishermen.
During the operation, a female officer from the St. Francis Police Department informed Fjeld that firefighters were on their way with specialized rescue gear. However, as Fjeld extended further onto the ice, he ran out of rope. Fortunately, two others quickly tied additional rope, allowing him to continue the rescue.
Eventually, Fjeld successfully brought one fisherman back to shore while the other crawled to safety. The dog, too, was rescued, and all involved were thankfully unharmed. The St. Francis Police Department provided valuable assistance throughout the operation.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude for the successful rescue and commended Deputy Fjeld for his selfless actions in helping others. The incident served as a reminder to the community about the dangers of venturing onto thin ice, emphasizing the risk of hypothermia or even death.
As winter continues in Minnesota, authorities urge residents to exercise caution and avoid walking on lakes and ponds unless the ice is confirmed to be thick enough to support their weight. The heroic actions of Deputy Chris Fjeld serve as a reminder of the dedication and bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers in protecting and saving lives.
