Hollis Fire & Rescue Training Pays Off in Real-World Large Animal Rescue
January 18, 2026 — Hollis Fire & Rescue highlighted the immediate value of advanced training after two full-time members returned from a five-day large animal technical rescue course in Detroit, Michigan, supported by York County Emergency Management Agency.
Less than five hours after arriving home and becoming newly certified, the department was dispatched to assist a Hollis resident with a horse that had fallen on the ice. One of the recently trained members, though off duty, responded alongside on-duty personnel and call-company members to assist with the rescue.
Firefighters worked with staff from Moments of Peace Farm and multiple bystanders to safely move the horse off the ice and back into the barn. The coordinated effort helped ensure the animal’s safety while preventing further injury.
Hollis Fire & Rescue expressed gratitude to all who assisted at the scene, including local bystanders, Moments of Peace Farm, York County EMA for supporting the training, and ASAR Training and Response Technical Animal Rescue for providing the specialized instruction.
Department officials noted the incident as a strong example of how continued investment in training directly benefits the community when unexpected emergencies arise.
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