A Vermont State Trooper plunged into an icy pond to rescue an 8-year-old girl. The incident occurred in Cambridge, Vermont, last month. The girl and her siblings were playing near the pond when she fell through thin ice.
An 80-year-old homeowner saved one child. However, the other child was too far from his reach. So he immediately called 911.
Responding to a 911 call, Trooper Michelle Archer took immediate action. She grabbed a flotation device and a rope from her cruiser and plunged into the icy pond. Her body camera and dashcam captured the intense moments. Archer described her feelings: “Just like an adrenaline rush almost before you even get there, something that you know you have to get there as soon as you can.” She credited her training and instinct for her quick response.
Trooper Keith Cote arrived as Archer rescued the girl. “For Michelle to have carried this young girl with completely saturated clothes in the shape that she was in, as cold as she was, I don’t know if anybody would be able to do that. So, that I was dry and warm — priority of life for the little girl was number one,” Cote stated.
The girl, initially in critical condition, has now fully recovered and is back home. Troopers Archer and Cote, along with the homeowner, are being recommended for the Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions.
WATCH: Heroic Trooper Saves Young Girl from Icy Pond