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Waupun Police Officer Falls Through Mill Pond Ice Trying to Retrieve Picnic Table


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WAUPUN — A Waupun Police Officer fell through the ice on the Mill Pond Wednesday evening after warning two juveniles about moving a park picnic table onto the ice.

According to the police report, Officer Aaron Gile was on patrol near Harris Mill Park when at 5:28pm he witnessed two juveniles pushing a picnic table from the park shelter towards an opening in the Mill Pond ice. After identifying and speaking with the juveniles about their illegal activity, he set out to retrieve the picnic table from the ice with the assistance of Officer Alex Warner.

In accordance with department protocols, Officer Warner stood ready on land with a rescue disk and rope. Officer Gile began walking on the ice but unfortunately fell through and was submerged in freezing water. Officer Warner immediately assisted Officer Gile, bringing him back to safety.

Upon Officer Gile falling through the ice, Officer Warner immediately radioed for assistance from the Waupun Fire Department and Lifestar Ambulance. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office also had deputies respond to the scene to assist.

Officer Gile was transported to Waupun Memorial Hospital by Lifestar Ambulance and was released a short time later. The wayward picnic table was brought back on shore by responding emergency services after Officer Gile was sent to the medical facility. Officer Gile reported back to duty the next day.