In Cambridge, Vermont, on December 18th, a group of children were playing on and near the surface of a pond when the ice broke, causing two children to fall into the water. The homeowner, aged 80, managed to rescue a 6-year-old girl who was close to the shore, but the 8-year-old was further out, near the center of the deep pond, the elderly man quickly dialed 911 for help. Vermont State Police trooper Michelle Archer was conducting routine patrol nearby and reached the scene in under five minutes.
Without hesitation, Archer retrieved a flotation device and a throw rope from her vehicle, removed her duty belt, and entered the water. She swam to the girl, secured her, and brought her back to shore. Trooper Keith Cote, who had just arrived in response to the call, then transported the girl to an awaiting ambulance.
The girl was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries initially believed to be life-threatening. She has since made a full recovery and has returned home