Border Collie Taffy Rescued from Thin Ice in Hazlet, N.J. After Falling Through Lake at Veteran’s Park

It was a freezing Tuesday morning in Hazlet, New Jersey, when a heroic rescue took place at Veteran’s Park that no one could have predicted. Taffy, a beloved Border Collie, had wandered too close to the edge of a frozen lake when the thin ice gave way beneath her paws. What could have been a tragic accident turned into a heartwarming story of bravery and quick thinking, thanks to the timely response of local authorities.

The incident began when Taffy, an energetic dog known for her love of playing fetch, was out on the ice with her owner. The weather had been cold in the days leading up to the incident, but not cold enough to ensure the ice was thick enough to support the weight of a dog. Unfortunately, Taffy didn't realize the danger when she ventured too far from the shore. The ice cracked beneath her, and she plunged into the frigid water below.

The Call for Help

When Taffy’s owner, visibly panicked, called 911, it was clear that this was no ordinary rescue. The ice was too thin for anyone to walk on safely, and the lake was deep enough that getting to Taffy would require a skilled response team. Hazlet’s local police force was quick to respond, but it was Patrolman Doug Centrone who would take the lead in this life-or-death situation.

What made this rescue particularly critical was Patrolman Centrone’s unique training. Not only was he a member of the Hazlet Police Department, but he was also the only officer in the department trained in maritime emergency rescue procedures. Centrone, who had completed specialized training with the local maritime emergency response team, knew the risks of ice rescues all too well and was prepared for the challenge that lay ahead.

“As soon as I got the call, I knew this was going to be tricky,” Patrolman Centrone explained. “The ice wasn’t stable enough to walk on, and there was no time to wait for the fire department or other teams. I had to act fast.”

A Risky Rescue

Centrone quickly assessed the situation upon arriving at the lake. Taffy, now stranded in the freezing water, was struggling to stay afloat, her paws paddling desperately against the ice. The dog’s owner, standing on the shore, was helpless. “I’ve never seen my dog in such distress,” the owner later recalled. “It was terrifying to watch.”

The challenge for Centrone wasn’t just reaching Taffy, but doing so without jeopardizing his own safety. The ice around the lake was cracked and unstable, a fact that posed significant risk to anyone attempting to cross it. The temperature was well below freezing, and the water was dangerously cold, which could lead to hypothermia in mere minutes.

“I had no choice but to go out there,” Centrone said. “But I had to be careful. If I fell through, I could become part of the problem, and that wouldn’t help anyone.”

Using his training, Centrone first deployed a long rope attached to a nearby tree and secured himself to a stable position. He then carefully inched his way toward the open water, inching his way across the thin ice. Every step was calculated, every move deliberate. His focus was unwavering, even as the cold wind bit at his skin and the icy water swirled dangerously beneath him.

When he finally reached Taffy, she was exhausted from the cold water, her energy nearly spent. Centrone quickly grabbed the dog, cradling her in his arms, and began the arduous process of retracing his steps to safety. The ice was cracking beneath them, but Centrone managed to maintain his balance and keep both himself and Taffy from falling through again.

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The Heroic Outcome

The return journey was just as treacherous, but with Taffy safely in his arms, Centrone was focused solely on making it back to solid ground. By the time he reached the shore, the dog was shivering uncontrollably, but her eyes shone with relief and gratitude.

“I could see in her eyes that she knew she was safe,” Centrone recalled. “She was so weak, but she was holding on. It was an emotional moment for me.”

Back on dry land, Centrone and the paramedics who arrived shortly after ensured that Taffy was warmed up as quickly as possible. The dog was transported to a nearby veterinary clinic where she was treated for hypothermia and given fluids to help her recover. Despite the scary ordeal, Taffy was expected to make a full recovery, much to the relief of her owner and the community.

“The most important thing was getting to her as quickly as possible,” Centrone said. “This was a team effort from everyone involved—from the 911 dispatchers to the fire department and the vet staff. Everyone played a role in getting Taffy out of there alive.”

A Community Celebration

News of Taffy’s dramatic rescue spread quickly throughout Hazlet, with the community praising Patrolman Centrone’s bravery and quick thinking. The story became a symbol of the incredible work local first responders do every day, often without recognition.

“It’s easy to forget that officers like Doug don’t just protect us from crime—they also save lives in ways most people never see,” said Hazlet Mayor Frank Rizzo. “Doug’s training and quick thinking saved a dog’s life today, and he deserves all the recognition for that.”

As for Taffy, she’s back at home with her owner, resting comfortably. She’s been given a clean bill of health and is recovering from her ordeal with plenty of love and attention. The family has vowed to be more cautious in the future, particularly during the colder months when ice can be dangerously unpredictable.

“We’re just so thankful that she’s okay,” said Taffy’s owner. “It’s not every day you see a dog get saved like this, and I’m forever grateful to Officer Centrone for what he did.”

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While the rescue was certainly a dramatic moment, it serves as a reminder of the courage and selflessness that first responders demonstrate, day in and day out, in the face of danger. For Taffy, it was a second chance at life, and for Hazlet, it was yet another reminder of the strength of a community that always comes together when it counts.