First Responders in Johnson County, Kansas rescue deer from frozen lake


Fire District #1 Of Johnson County, KS was requested by The Johnson County, KS Government Emergency Communications Center to assist The Johnson County, KS Sheriff's Office with a deer stuck in a frozen lake.

Our on-duty Battalion Chief along with other crew members responded to the area of W. 175th St. and Edgerton Rd. in Edgerton, KS. Upon their arrival, a deer was found in the frozen lake approximately 50 feet from the shoreline. The landowner who notified 911 stated that the deer had been in the water for approximately 20 minutes.

Crews put on specialized ice rescue suits to begin rescuing the deer. Crew members were met with 1-inch thick ice while making their way to the deer. Once the crew members made contact with the deer, they began making their way back to the shoreline with the deer in hand. The deer remained calm during the entire rescue. The deer was warmed up with blankets and then moved to a sunny area. Once the deer was warm enough, it eventually jumped back up and took off running with no injuries. Although this was a positive outcome for this deer, it's still a reminder for us land-dwellers to use extra caution whenever near-frozen water.

The attached media shows video of the deer being rescued and then being warmed back up by crews.

Video credit Fire District #1 Of Johnson County, KS