The man was warned moments earlier to stay off the ice because it was not safe but went fishing anyway.
WESTFIELD - A 76-year-old fisherman who apparently disregarded thin-ice warnings had to be rescued Wednesday afternoon by firefighters after he fell through the ice at a pond off Root Road, a fire official said.
Deputy chief Andrew Hart said the man, whose name was not released, was conscious and alert when firefighters pulled him from the freezing cold water from an area off Root Road known as the Brickyard. He was taken to Noble Hospital by ambulance and admitted overnight. His condition was not known.
Firefighters wearing protective Mustang suits and employing a Rescue Alive sled were able to make their way across the ice and pull the man out, Hart said.
Hart credited an unnamed "good Samaritan" who lives nearby with saving the fisherman. The man, who did not want his name disclosed to the press, called 911 after seeing him in the water, Hart said.
Moments before the man actually warned the fisherman to stay off the ice, telling him it was not safe, but the fisherman apparently disregarded his advice, Hart said.
The man then got in his car to go to work and drove off, but after a few minutes, turned back around. As soon as he arrived at his house, he could see the fisherman struggling in the water, Hart said.
Hart said the ice is probably no more than 3 to 4 inches thick and is just not thick enough to be considered safe. No one should be going out on the ice, he said.
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