Norwalk firefighters risked their lives on thin ice to save a swan that had been trapped for days in the frozen Norwalk River, proving that local heroes still protect the innocent amid harsh winters.
See the video below.
Story Highlights
- Norwalk Fire Department executed a daring ice rescue on February 3, 2026, pulling a swan from the Norwalk River without injury to the bird or rescuers.
- Deputy Chief Jonathan Maggio spotted minimal movement, signaling days of entrapment during the recent cold snap.
- Seamless teamwork: EMS transported the swan to VCA Veterinary Center for de-icing, then to Norwalk Veterinary Hospital for full recovery in one week.
- Dr. Melissa Salgado confirmed there were no major wounds after warm-water treatment, underscoring the effectiveness of the protocols.
Rescue Operation Unfolds
This week, the Norwalk Fire Department received a call about a swan trapped in ice on the Norwalk River in Connecticut. Deputy Chief Jonathan Maggio arrived first and observed minimal movement, indicating the bird had likely been stuck for days.
Firefighters suited up with extreme caution, entered the icy water, coaxed the swan free, placed it on a stretcher, and pulled it up a ladder to shore. Neither the rescuers nor the bird sustained any injuries.
The swan was freed from the surrounding ice and brought to shore with the help of some special equipment and dedicated firefighters. pic.twitter.com/wVxZu7HLYS
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) February 4, 2026
Medical Handover and Recovery
Norwalk Hospital EMS immediately transported the swan to VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. Dr. Melissa Salgado, a veterinary criticalist, used warm water to melt the remaining ice and confirmed that there were no major wounds.
The swan showed a positive response. Tailors Wildlife Rescue Group then transferred it to Norwalk Veterinary Hospital for ongoing care. Full recovery is expected within one week.
Expert Insights from Responders
Deputy Chief Maggio noted the swan seemed to recognize help: “It didn’t look promising… but we did see some movement… the swan knew that we were there to help it.”
Dr. Salgado emphasized the protocol: “We used some warm water… Luckily, I didn’t find any major wounds.” Firefighters credited routine water and ice-rescue training with the success, demonstrating readiness in harsh winter conditions.
Local Context and Significance
The Norwalk River, a 17-mile tidal estuary in southwestern Connecticut, often ices over during cold snaps, endangering migratory swans common to the area.
This rare urban entrapment in a populated area underscores the risks to wildlife from rapid freezes. The operation highlights strong inter-agency coordination among the fire department, EMS, veterinarians, and wildlife rescuers, with no conflicts or delays reported.
As of February 4, 2026, the swan remains stable in recovery. This event boosts morale among Norwalk residents, validates emergency training, and reinforces protocols for future incidents involving wildlife on ice.
Minimal costs were involved in routine responses, delivering social uplift without a taxpayer burden in these tough economic times, under President Trump’s focus on efficient local governance.
Sources:
Swan Rescued from Icy Waters by Norwalk Fire Department
Norwalk firefighters free swan from iced-over river
