Kitimat, B.C. – A labrador retriever can thank two RCMP members for saving his life.

On New Years day,  Kitimat  RCMP  recieved a 9-1-1 call about  Labrador retrievers, Brody and Duke, who had done their own version of a polar dip.  The two dogs had  fallen through the ice  and into  Hirsch Creek River.

Cst. Andrew Johnstone and Cst. Daniel Kelly both attended and were advised the dogs were hanging on to the ice and had been in the water for 30 minutes. One of dogs, Brody, was able to pull himself out and was safe with its owner.

Duke was not so lucky.   With the closest water rescue boat about an hour away,  the two  constables knew  Duke wasn’t going to last much longer.

Cst Kelly removed his jacket and vest, attached a tow rope to his belt and put on a life preserver. Cst Johnstone held onto the rope and with the assistance of community member, they were able to guide Cst. Kelly as he cautiously crawled over the ice to the dog. After securing a leash to Duke’s collar, Cst. Kelly pulled Duke onto the ice where he immediately raced back to the shoreline and into the waiting arms of his owner. After a quick rub down with a spare blanket, Duke and Brody were both bounding about, relieved to be on solid ground.

"This is one of the many examples of how our members are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty" says  Cpl. Peppler of the Kitimat Detachment "Cst. Johnstone and Cst. Kelly worked together as a team and rescued two much loved pets. This shows how committed they are to helping people in their community including the four legged population."