Firefighters Rescue Swan Stuck in Frozen Connecticut River

Crews used ropes and cold-water suits to free the bird after its feet froze into the ice.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Firefighters in Norwalk, Connecticut rescued a swan that had become stuck in the frozen Norwalk River this week. The crews donned cold-water rescue suits and used ropes to carefully approach the swan, whose feet were frozen into the ice. After about 30 minutes, they were able to free the bird and bring it to shore, where it was taken to a veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery.

Why it matters

Animal rescues during extreme winter weather conditions require specialized training and equipment to ensure the safety of both the rescuers and the animals. This incident highlights the important role that local fire departments play in protecting wildlife and responding to emergencies in their communities.

The details

Norwalk Fire Department crews responded to the frozen Norwalk River after receiving a report of a swan that was stuck in the ice. Using cold-water rescue suits and ropes, the firefighters were able to carefully approach the swan and free its feet, which had become frozen into the ice. The rescue took about 30 minutes to complete, and the swan appeared grateful to be freed from the ice.

  • On Tuesday, firefighters responded to the incident on the Norwalk River.

The players

Norwalk Fire Department

The local fire department in Norwalk, Connecticut that conducted the swan rescue operation.

Jonathan Maggio

The deputy chief of the Norwalk Fire Department who oversaw the swan rescue operation.

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What they’re saying

“The swan appeared grateful for the rescue, noting the bird was 'just happy to be out of the ice.'”

— Jonathan Maggio, Deputy Chief, Norwalk Fire Department

What’s next

Once the swan regains its strength, it will be properly released back into the wild.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the important role that local fire departments play in protecting wildlife and responding to emergencies, even in extreme winter weather conditions that require specialized training and equipment.