By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 20:33 GMT, 2 January 2026 | Updated: 20:45 GMT, 2 January 2026

Rhode Island firefighters rescued a yellow Labrador who fell into icy waters on New Year's Day.

First responders were called to the Little Masachaug Pond just before 9am on  Thursday for a water rescue, according to the Misquamicut Fire Department.

'A dog out for a morning walk with his owner wandered onto the pond and fell through a thin layer of ice near the center,' the fire department wrote in a social media post.

Once on the scene, volunteer firefighters saw the pup, named Phoenix, struggling in the water and unable to move while his owner was on the shore.

Dramatic footage captured the crews jumping into the icy pond, then swimming to shore while carrying the dog out of the frigid waters.

'Members from both fire departments quickly donned ice rescue suits and entered the pond, making a swift and successful rescue,' the fire department said.

'Phoenix and the rescuers were safely brought back to shore and were all doing well when on scene.'

Back on land, the rescuers were evaluated for hypothermia by EMS and all were cleared. 

A yellow Labrador named Phoenix who fell into an icy pond on New Year's Day was rescued by heroic firefighters

Dramatic footage captured the crews jumping into the icy pond, then swimming to shore while carrying the dog out of the frigid waters

'It was the chillest dog I've ever seen in my life,' said Deputy chief of the Misquamicut Fire Department Steve Howard told ABC news. 'The dog never made a sound. He was pretty chill.'

He revealed that after an evaluation Phoenix was also cleated.

'He got a little bit of extra food last night,' Howard said. 'And he took a little nap.'

The Misquamicut Fire Department also issued a warning to residents that icy surfaces are not safe.

'Reminder: No ice is ever safe. Our firefighters train extensively for cold water and ice rescues, but these situations are extremely dangerous,' the department said. 

On social media, the firefighters were celebrated for making their first rescue of the new year.

'Heroes! It was icy cold and windy but you persevered and rescued this sweet scared pup. Thank You!' one person wrote on Facebook.

'Wow. Great job saving that dog's life while risking yours!' added another.

The dog was out for a walk with when he fell through a thin layer of ice near the center of the pond

Phoenix and rescuers made it back to safety. The rescuers were evaluated by EMS of hypothermia, but were both cleared