Man who fell through ice raising funds for equipment

McCOOK, Neb. -- A McCook man who was rescued Jan. 5 by the McCook Fire Department is starting a funding raising campaign to purchase ice rescue suits.

Lucas Kotschwar talked to the McCook City County Monday night and related how the fire department tried to rescue his dog Jan. 5, who had fallen through the ice at a pond at Barnett Park. Kotschwar said he tried to rescue his dog himself but could not reach him in the water and had to turn back.

McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham told the council that a ladder truck was used at the scene and an ice rescue suit, provided by a fire science instructor at McCook Community College who had heard the call on the scanner, was also utilized. Kotchswars' dog was unable to be saved. Harpham said that in doing some research, an ice rescue suit and specially designed harnesses and rope could be purchased for around $1,000. He added that if enough funds were raised, a rescue suit could also be purchased for the street department, which is near Barnett Park.

In the past 20 years, there have been four incidents at the frozen ponds in Barnett Park, Harpham said, with three of those incidents due to pets on the ice.

Councilman Jerry Calvin asked if there were any grants the fire department could apply for to purchase these suits and Harpham replied that there were, but it was a very competition process and those grants were hard to get.

Those wishing to donate for this equipment can do so directly to the McCook Fire Department or can call Kotschwar at 340-3720.