Terrified Deer Trapped on Ice Starts Crying — Then a Firefighter Holds Her Tight

A terrified young deer was trapped on the slick ice of a frozen lake in Washington state, unable to find her footing and too frightened to move.

From the shoreline, concerned residents Ginger and Dan Poleschook watched helplessly as the yearling struggled nearly 200 feet out on Loon Lake in Stevens County. Each time she tried to stand, her legs slid out from under her on the glassy surface.

The Poleschook called authorities and soon rescue crews from Stevens County Fire District 1 arrived with a plan. Firefighter Gavyn Gallagher suited up in specialized cold-weather flotation gear and carefully began crawling across the thin ice toward the frightened animal.

Moving slowly so he wouldn’t startle her, Gallagher tried to slip a rope loop around the deer. But the terrified animal panicked and slipped free. For a moment it looked like the rescue might fail.

The ice was unstable in places, but Gallagher didn’t give up.

He approached again, this time quickly securing the rope around the deer. At one point he had to wrap his arms around her in a tight “bear hug” to keep her from thrashing as his team on shore prepared to pull them back.

As the rescuers slowly dragged the pair toward land, the exhausted deer began crying out in fear.

“It’s okay, baby,” one of the rescuers called gently from the shore.

Gradually, the animal seemed to realize she was in safe hands. She grew quiet and calm in the firefighter’s arms as they slid across the ice toward safety.

“Don’t let go of her,” someone shouted as they neared the shoreline.

Once they reached solid ground, rescuers quickly placed a blanket over the deer’s head to help keep her calm while Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer Grant Samsill checked her temperature and examined her for injuries.

Thankfully, she appeared unharmed.

After warming her up, the rescuers released the young deer back into a nearby wooded area, safely away from the frozen lake and the nearby highway.

The dramatic rescue, which took place in January 2026, was captured on video by Dan Poleschook and quickly went viral. Viewers across the country praised the firefighters’ bravery and compassion in risking the icy lake to save a frightened animal.

“She was obviously very frightened and didn’t want anything to do with me,” said firefighter Gavyn Gallagher afterwards.

In recognition of their efforts, Stevens County Fire District 1 received the Compassionate Fire Department Award from PETA for their quick actions and determination.

For the neighbors who watched it unfold, the rescue was nothing short of remarkable.

“It was amazing how fast they worked,” said Ginger Poleschook. “They were incredibly efficient.”

And thanks to their determination, one frightened deer got a second chance — safely back where she belongs, in the wild.

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