WARREN — A dramatic night rescue of two men who had fallen through the ice while on Crawford Pond ensued Saturday night, just before 10 p.m.

Isabel Crane, Isadora Osgood and Jerin Brooks heard screams for help at approximately 9:45 p.m., just as they were heading into a house near Crawford Lane, which is on the south east side of Crawford Pond in Warren. They headed down the lane to Crawford Pond and spotted the two men across the water, and called Knox County Regional Communications Center, where dispatchers immediately notified Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren and Union fire departments.

Craig Dennison, age 38, of Warren was operating his 2015 John Deere Gator 4x6 ATV with Donald Holbrook, age 28, of Warren as his passenger when the ATV drove into an area of open water about 100 yards from shore on Crawford Pond in Warren, according to the Maine Warden’s Service.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Arthur Smith and Deputy Tim Davis responded, as did Warren and Union firefighters and their ambulances. Union Fire Department took its water rescue boat to the pond. The three samaritans stayed in voice contact with the men in the water while waiting for the arrival of the first responders.

Upon arrival the scene, Sgt. Smith grabbed his throw rope and went out on the ice to where he could see open water, said Carroll. 

“As he got closer he could see two males obviously having a hard time staying afloat,” he said. “Sgt. Smith stated that one was having a harder time than the other.  Sgt. Smith threw the rope to the one who seemed to be having the most difficulty first.  That male was unable to get the rope around his torso in order to pull him out.  The other male in the water attempted to assist him, but had to clear himself for his own safety.  He was able to be pulled from the water.”

On the shore, the three Good Samaritans who initially heard the call were joined by other neighbors and they helped the deputies and firefighters pull the first victim out.

“Sgt. Smith could see that the male was having severe distress and was unable to hold onto the rope or the edge of the ice,” said Carroll. “Sgt. Smith observed him going under water and made the decision to go in the water to save him. Smith removed his duty belt and ballistic vest and entered the water.  Smith attempted to get the rope around him that was being held by others on solid ice.  A common problem in ice rescues is the victim’s sense of danger is imminent and panic sets in.  It becomes more difficult to help someone.  Smith was attempting many ways to save the subject.”

At one point the ice broke free as Smith attempted to maintain composure and keep the man from slipping back under water.  

“Sgt. Smith was fighting to keep them both afloat at this time,” said Carroll. “He was able to get to more solid ice again and hold the victim.  Sgt. Smith was holding the ice by his arms and able to maintain keeping the victims head above water with his legs.  After several minutes of keeping the victim afloat while in the freezing cold water, an EMT, Kevin Curry, joined Sgt. Smith at the edge of the ice to help.   Together they were still unable to control the victim enough to get him out of the water.  An unidentified rescue swimmer arrived with a life-saving wet suit and jumped in to assist.  The three of them were then able to be pulled onto the ice by other first responders.”

Both victims were immediately taken to Penobscot Bay Medical Center.  Smith was later checked and cleared at the hospital as well as a precautionary.    

“Extremely proud of Sgt. Smith's dedication to serving the people of Knox County and true heroism while putting his own life in danger,” said Sheriff Carroll.

According to one of the witnesses who lives nearby, the ice on the pond had diminished over the last week, given that the river was running freely into the water body. 

“Ice conditions along the coast are hazardous in some areas,” said the Service. “With the warmer weather, some areas that are normally frozen this time of year may not be. Please be sure to check the thickness of the ice before heading out,” said Sergeant Aaron Cross of the Maine Warden Service.”

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene was Maine State Police Corporal Jeremiah Wesbrock, Maine Warden Service Sgt. Cross and Warden Dyer, as well as members of Warren Fire and Ambulance.  All agencies were a coordinated effort by the Knox County Regional Communications Center. 

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657