Vermont state trooper saves 8-year-old girl who fell into icy pond

Vermont State Police on Friday shared that a trooper dove into a frozen pond to rescue an 8-year-old girl.

Authorities said the incident occurred on Dec. 17 when the girl and her siblings were playing atop the pond’s icy surface.

Police said the ice eventually gave way and caused the 8-year-old girl and her 6-year-old sister to fall into the frigid waters.

An 80-year-old homeowner was able to pull the 6-year-old to safety, police said, but couldn’t get to the 8-year-old girl who was further away from shore.

Trooper Michelle Archer arrived at the scene shortly afterward and quickly grabbed a rope and floatation device before jumping into the freezing pond.

Vermont 

•Vermont State Trooper (Michelle Archer) dove into an icy pond to save an 8-year-old girl that had fallen through the ice.

•The girl made a full recovery 
•This is above and beyond.
Incredible! pic.twitter.com/akg27P1e0R

— police.law.news (@policelawnews) January 13, 2024

Body camera footage shows Trooper Archer grabbing the girl and pulling her to land, where another trooper helps carry the child to a waiting ambulance.

Police said the girl was thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries, but she has gone on to make a complete recovery.

Trooper Archer, as well as the assisting trooper and the homeowner, were recommended to receive the agency’s Lifesaving Award for their “selfless, heroic conduct.”