In a heart-pounding incident on a frozen Michigan lake, a 65-year-old man who fell through the ice was saved by the ingenious actions of a state police officer. Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer Kammeron Bennetts orchestrated a daring rescue, captured on his body camera, that involved utilising the stranded man’s dog, Ruby.

Bystanders called 911 on Thursday as the Traverse City man found himself trapped in the ice-covered Arbutus Lake. The body camera footage begins with the man immersed in freezing waters, with only his head and shoulders visible above the thin ice, and his faithful dog standing by his side. Bennetts attempts to throw a rescue disc attached to a rope to the man, but the initial effort falls short. In a quick and creative move, Bennetts then requests the man to send Ruby to him.

“Send your pup here. Will she come to me?” he urgently yells to the man, who responds that his dog is named Ruby.

“Ruby come here! Come here Ruby!” Bennetts shouts in the video, whistling for Ruby, who enthusiastically responds. The officer ties the rescue disc to the dog’s collar, instructing the man to call Ruby back. As Ruby returns, Bennetts advises the man to take the disc from her and start kicking his legs.

“Bring your feet up to the surface by kicking your feet!” he directs, successfully pulling the man onto the icy lake’s surface. With the man safely on the ice, Bennetts, along with a local firefighter, completes the rescue by grabbing his arms, all while Ruby remains attached to the rope.

The man was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment and later released. Michigan State Police praised the rescue on X, emphasising Ruby’s crucial role in the operation.

“What a good girl!!! Amazing ice rescue from 7th District, MCO Bennetts. Creative thinking helped save a life!! EXCELLENT JOB MCO Bennetts and RUBY!!” the tweet reads, celebrating the teamwork and applauding the quick thinking that led to the successful rescue.