Ice rescue: two people, two dogs

TOWN OF EAU PLEINE — On Dec. 2, at approximately 3:26 pm, the Portage County Communications Center received a report of two dogs falling through the ice on Lake DuBay near the 4500 block of Brockhaus Lane in the Township of Eau Pleine. Shortly thereafter, additional information was received indicating a man and a woman had fallen through the ice after attempting a rescue.
Portage County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brad Mathwich arrived first on scene. Deputy Mathwich located the man and woman struggling in the water approximately 25-50 feet from shore. Deputy Mathwich immediately entered the water and was able to rescue an 80-year-old female and 54-year-old male. Both individuals are from the Township of Eau Pleine and were evaluated by emergency medical services on scene.
A short while later, both dogs were rescued by a specialized Ice-Water Rescue Unit. The dogs were taken to a local animal care facility for treatment and further evaluation.
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Portage County Ambulance Service, Rudolph Fire/Rescue/EMS, Stevens Point Water Rescue, Plover Water Rescue, and the Town of Hull Fire Department.