In a heart-stopping moment on a chilly Wednesday, first responders in New Jersey sprang into action to rescue a dog that had ventured out onto the treacherously frozen surface of Lake Mohawk.

The call for help came during what seemed like an ordinary shift for Patrolman Michael Poon. Alerted to the dog’s predicament, Poon responded swiftly, ready to face the icy challenge.

“You comfortable going in, Mike?” a fellow officer asked, as Poon donned the ice suit designed to protect him from the lake’s frigid temperatures. The suit was crucial gear for the daring rescue that lay ahead.

With determination, Officer Poon suited up and secured ropes around himself, preparing for both his own safety and the dog’s extraction. The scene was captured in gripping footage that shows Poon and his colleague racing toward the lake.

As Poon crawled cautiously across the ice, the focus was solely on reaching the stranded animal and bringing it back to safety. His actions exemplified the dedication and bravery of first responders who risk their lives to protect others, human and animal alike.

Upon arrival, the dog immediately panicked, swimming away from the officer to the other side of the broken ice.

Eventually, Poon jumps into the water, quickly getting a grasp of the dog before helping it out of the water.

His fellow officers then pulled him back onto dry land.

Thanks to the safety gear, Poon completed this rescue with no reported health risks, including hypothermia.

According to the National Weather Service, hypothermia can occur in certain situations, particularly in water.

It is essential to be aware of the many risks that come with the dropping temperatures during the winter.

“This incident serves as an important reminder about the dangers of ice,” a statement from the Sparta Township Police Department reads. “Ice conditions can change rapidly and are often unpredictable.

“Please use caution around frozen bodies of water and help us keep everyone safe—people and animals alike.”