First Responders Save Stranded Fawn from Icy Potomac

Homes.com employee helps save deer stuck on icy river

A Daring Winter Rescue on the Potomac River

First Responders Save Stranded Fawn

On a frigid morning, first responders in Washington, D.C., raced against time. They were trying to rescue a young deer stranded on the frozen Potomac River near the Key Bridge.

Passersby, noticing the fawn struggling on the slippery ice around 8 a.m., wasted no time alerting authorities. Answering the call, the Metropolitan Police Harbor Patrol and D.C. Fire & EMS Fire Boat crew quickly mobilized. The Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recently partnered with the District. They now offer animal control services. The organization also joined the mission.

The rescue was captured on video. It shows officers skillfully maneuvering an airboat across the treacherous ice. They inched closer to the frightened animal. The fawn, slipping and flailing, struggled to find stable ground. But the team’s skill and unwavering dedication led to a successful rescue.

Deer Stranded on Frozen River Rescued by Airboat Crew

“Just two weeks into providing Animal Control services for the District, we’re proud to celebrate this successful rescue,” Brandywine CEO Adam Lamb said in a news release.

“We’re deeply grateful to the community for reporting the deer in distress and to the fearless responders from MPD and D.C. Fire for saving a life.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA later shared the event on Facebook, calling it a “wild rescue!” and commending the efforts of all involved.

“With cold temperatures and icy conditions making the rescue tricky, this dedicated team of heroes worked together to safely bring the deer to solid ground, where it got its footing and ran off,” the organization wrote.

The first responders and compassionate community members acted swiftly. As a result, the fawn is now safe. It is back in its natural habitat.

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