The Peru Gazette

Town of North Elba, Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Dec. 26 at 12:52 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker at Marcy Dam who advised their feet were frozen and they could not continue hiking. Forest Rangers Curcio and Rooney located two 18-year-olds from New Jersey. One of them was barefoot with his feet wrapped in his jacket. The hiker’s boots and socks were frozen. Rangers treated both subjects for mild hypothermia, provided extra layers of clothes, and transported the pair back to the trailhead. Resources were clear by 4 p.m.

Town of Hunter, Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On Dec. 27 at 10:24 a.m., Forest Rangers responded to a call for an ice-climber fall in Kaaterskill Clove. The 62-year-old fell approximately 35 feet. Rangers worked with Haines Falls Rescue, Kingston Technical Rescue Team, Tannersville Rescue, and the Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team on a technical rope rescue. Crews pulled the climber to safety and brought him to a waiting Hunter Ambulance. Resources were clear at 12:15 p.m.

Town of Pawling, Dutchess County
Ice Rescue: On Dec. 23 at 12:35 p.m., Forest Ranger Cowart responded to a call for a skater who had fallen through the ice on Lake Dutchess. When Ranger Cowart arrived, a Pawling Fire Department member had already secured the 31-year-old from Pawling in a kayak but was unable to get himself out of the water. Ranger Cowart worked with New York State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department, and Kent Police on a flat ice rescue. Ranger Cowart was secured to a 300-foot rope before entering the ice. The Fire Department rescuer was tethered to a short rope that Ranger Cowart grabbed to pull him to safety. Once on the surface of the ice, Ranger Cowart directed response personnel to pull all three individuals back to shore. The subject was taken to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia. Resources were clear at 1:43 p.m.