When disaster strikes, heroes rise. Just days ago, the brave firefighters from Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) in Colorado demonstrated their unwavering courage by rescuing a beautiful horse from drowning in a canal.
At 9:50 a.m., PFA dispatched their skilled responders to a challenging scene: Lacy, a blind female horse in her 20s, was trapped up to her shoulders in moderately flowing water. Assisting in the operation were the Large Animal Rescue Team (LART), Colorado State University’s animal care team, and UC Health ambulance services.
A firefighter, specially trained in swift water and animal rescue, entered the canal to secure a harness around Lacy’s neck and guide her to safety. The team carefully guided her downstream, under a bridge, to a less steep section where they hoped she could climb out on her own.
When this plan didn’t work as expected, the team quickly adapted. They employed a winch system to safely pull Lacy from the water. The approach proved successful, and soon she was safely onshore, where CSU medical personnel immediately checked her vitals and began treatment.
Despite suffering some cuts on her legs, Lacy had no major injuries and began recovering quickly after her sedation wore off. Thanks to the courage, expertise, and teamwork of the PFA and supporting teams, Lacy can now enjoy life to the fullest once again.
This heroic rescue is a powerful reminder of the dedication and bravery of first responders, and how their quick thinking and teamwork can save lives—even those of our most vulnerable animal friends.