Technical Rescue Team Saves Dog from Waterfall Cliff
Photo by Patterson Fire DepartmentFirefighters and rescue personnel coordinate a rope rescue operation above Quaker Brook waterfall where a dog became trapped on a ledge below.
Photo by Patterson Fire DepartmentA rescuer carefully secures K9 Rudy during the rope rescue as crews prepare to haul both safely up the icy cliff.
Photo by Patterson Fire DepartmentAfter being rescued, Rudy greets rescuers who worked together to bring the stranded dog back to safety.
Photo by Patterson Fire Departmentrescuer stands below the cliff near the waterfall while crews position rope equipment for the technical rescue operation.
Photo by Patterson Fire DepartmentResponders utilize a UTV to access the remote rescue location through snow-covered trails inside the conservation area.
March 8, 2026 — Firefighters and rescue technicians responded to the Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area after a young dog became trapped on a rock ledge below a waterfall.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., the Patterson Fire Department was dispatched after 14-month-old K9 Rudy fell about 15 feet down a cliff near Quaker Brook waterfall. The dog landed on a small rock outcropping beside the rushing water and was unable to climb back to safety.
Due to the difficult terrain and snow-covered wooded trails nearly a mile from the road, responders deployed UTV 22-8-3 along with Rescue 22-6-1 and Fire Police 22-8-1. Additional assistance was requested from the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team for specialized rope rescue equipment and UTV support, along with manpower from Putnam Lake and Brewster Fire Departments.
With safety measures in place, including personnel positioned downstream in case the dog slipped into the water, Patterson Fire Department Captain Greco — also a member of the Technical Rescue Team — was lowered down the icy cliff using rope rescue equipment. After spending more than two hours stranded on the narrow ledge, Rudy eagerly climbed into the rescuer’s arms and was safely hauled back to the top.
The dog was unharmed and reunited with its owner thanks to the coordinated efforts of the firefighters and rescue technicians who worked together to complete the challenging rescue.
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