Firefighter Rescues Dog from Icy Pond in Daring Metro-East Rescue

Columbia Fire Department captain braves frigid waters to save stranded canine

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Capt. Steve Doyle of the Columbia Fire Department risked his own safety to rescue a dog trapped in an icy pond in Cahokia Heights, Illinois on Friday morning. Doyle swam about 20 yards to reach the dog, which appeared to be a pit bull, and pulled it to safety with the help of other firefighters on the shore.

Why it matters

Ice rescues are a common occurrence for the Columbia Fire Department, which responds to several such calls each winter. This incident highlights the bravery and quick thinking of first responders who put themselves in harm's way to save animals and protect public safety, even on the firefighter's own wedding eve.

The details

Doyle was part of the crew that responded to the emergency call around 11:30 a.m. on Friday. As he was suiting up, he was told the dog was starting to go underwater, so he skipped the usual step of "burping" air out of his ice suit and rushed to the dog's location. Doyle said the dog, which the Gateway Pet Guardians shelter later named "Gill", was drained of energy by the time he reached it, but did not put up a fight during the rescue.

  • On Friday, February 13, 2026 around 11:30 a.m., the Columbia Fire Department responded to the emergency call.
  • Capt. Steve Doyle was set to celebrate his wedding the following day, on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Capt. Steve Doyle

A 44-year-old firefighter with the Columbia Fire Department who performed the daring ice rescue.

Jennifer Welker

Doyle's fiancée, whom he was set to marry the day after the rescue.

Gateway Pet Guardians

The East St. Louis animal shelter that took in the rescued dog, which they named "Gill".

Stephen Robbins

The fire chief of the Cahokia Heights Fire Department, which called Columbia Fire Department to assist with the ice rescue.

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What they’re saying

“I knew that I didn't have very much time so I just took off for the dog.”

— Capt. Steve Doyle, Firefighter (bnd.com)

“Poor thing was trapped and terrified and started freezing.”

— Gateway Pet Guardians, Animal shelter (Facebook)

What’s next

The Columbia Fire Department will likely review the incident and Doyle's actions to identify any areas for improvement in their ice rescue protocols. The dog, "Gill", will receive a veterinary checkup at the Gateway Pet Guardians shelter to ensure it recovers fully from its ordeal.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue showcases the bravery and quick thinking of first responders who put themselves at risk to save animals in distress. It also underscores the importance of public safety warnings about the dangers of venturing onto frozen bodies of water, even for beloved pets.