On January 17th, shortly after clearing an EMS call, Croton Falls Fire was dispatched to an address on Hardscrabble Road for an horse stuck in the mud. Car 2071, 2072, 2073, Rescue 28, and Utility 28 signed on responding and were updated that the incident was reported to be one mile into the woods with a horse buried up to its shoulders in mud. Car 2071 immediately requested the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team, the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, the Patterson Fire Department with their Horse Rescue Special Operations Unit, and several other agencies from both Westchester and Putnam County. Shortly after arrival of Croton Falls Fire units, command was informed the horse was alone in the woods while the rider was seeking help. Car 2071 requested Westchester County Aviation and the Yorktown Fire Department Drone for assistance in locating the horse. After further size up, it was determined that only utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles could navigate the wooded area. Utility 38 of the Goldens Bridge Fire Department was requested to assist, while both Tech Rescue Teams were assembling their UTV’s as well.

After about one hour of operating, Car 2072 with CFFD Utility 64, along with Utility 28 and Engine 149’s crew located the horse on its side in the mud. Car 2072 began requesting both Technical Rescue Teams and the Patterson Special Operations Unit with the proper equipment to begin shuttling into the wooded swamp area via UTV’s. Car 2073 coordinated manpower and equipment from the staging area to the incident location. After roughly three hours of operating, the horse was successfully removed from the wooded swamp and walked out with the assistance of Veterinary Staff and Special Operations Personnel.

WCDES Battalion 13, County Car 2, County Car 4, County Car 8, County Car 36 with Communications Staff, WCPD Aviation, WCDES TRT Car 2001, North Salem PD, and PCBOES Battalion 12 and 15 operated and provided assistance throughout the incident.

While operating, EMS from North Salem VAC, WCEMS, and WEMS 45 Medic 3 treated multiple patients at the scene, while Lewisboro VAC stood by for North Salem VAC in their headquarters.

While all units operated for four hours, the Carmel Fire Department was standing by at the Croton Falls Fire House until units returned in service.

Thank you to all mutual aid for your assistance in accomplishing a successful outcome!

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