Wellesley, MA — January 12th — Wellesley Firefighters Local 1795's B Group trained on the Rescue Alive Sled, a tool for reaching and removing people or animals that fall through ice. During ice rescues, firefighters can work from a safer position and distribute weight with the use of the sled.

Due to the yearly freezing of lakes and ponds, ice rescue exercises are held annually around Massachusetts. Crews coordinated rescue operations, went over rope systems, and assessed the risks of exposure to cold water. Residents are reminded by fire officials that the agency does not test or deem ice safe. Pet owners are advised to never try to entice a pet onto the ice and to keep their animals on leashes while near water.