Ice Rescue Turns Into Animal Rescue In Jersey City

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ —Firefighters in cities around the state have been training to rescue people from the ice this winter, and in several cases, they've already had to use what they learned. READ MORE: 2 Teen Boys Rescued After Walking Across Ice In North Jersey

Firefighters in Jersey City who were training on Monday ended up conducting a rescue at the same time, a public safety spokesperson said.

When Jersey City's Fire Department was at the frozen Reservoir No. 3, normally used for passive recreation, they found a seagull trapped in the ice, said spokesperson Kim Wallace-Scalcione.

"When the JCFD unit began their ice rescue training, most birds in the area had typical reactions and flew off," she said. "However, the one bird did not leave. That's what caught the firefighters' attention. They thought it was odd the seagull wasn't flying away.

"When they took a closer look, they realized it was stuck and could not get off of the ice. They decided to make rescuing the seagull a part of the training."

First, they detached the bird from the ice and helped it dry off. They placed the bird in a "safe area" and it was soon able to fly away on its own, Wallace-Scalcione said.

"Public safety is about awareness, compassion, and doing the right thing no matter how small the call," said Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. "Our firefighters demonstrated professionalism and humanity."

"Even during a training exercise, that instinct to protect and serve is exactly what defines the incredible men and women of the Jersey City Fire Department," said Chief Jack Johnson.

Members of the Jersey City Fire Department's Rescue 1 squad 4 B group participated in the rescue.

See photos below.

Kurt Warner and the gull. Photos courtesy city of Jersey City.