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Stranded elderly couple saved by RCMP and police dog

RCMP save elderly couple

An RCMP officer and his police service dog, Denim, are being hailed as heroes after rescuing an elderly ATV operator near Cranbrook.

Cranbrook RCMP received a 911 call at 4:30 p.m. on February 3, about an elderly gentleman who had become stranded when his ATV left Stropky Road near Cranbrook B.C.

Officers jumped into action, bringing Denim the police dog along.

RCMP say the man's spouse tried to help get the man unstuck but ended up needing assistance herself.

"Unfortunately the two were unsuccessful and the pair, both of whom in their mid-80s, eventually called local RCMP for assistance," says Cst. K.P. Forgeron, RCMP spokesperson.

"With darkness falling and the temperatures dropping quickly, front line officers recognized that the need to reach the elderly couple was dire," added Forgeron.

The man’s wife, who was beginning to experience symptoms of hypothermia, used her emergency whistle to help guide searchers to their location. With PSD Denim leading the charge, officers were able to quickly locate the couple and escort them to safety.

Three of the responding officers managed to lift the ATV enough to get it repositioned so it could also be removed from the area.

"Our officers were so pleased that they were able to reach the couple before nightfall and hypothermia could fully set in, one even claiming this is the kind of calls they signed up for. The elderly couple expressed their admiration at the police response time and their appreciation to the officers, with a special invite to join them for bacon and eggs," said Forgeron.

Neither the elderly gentleman nor his spouse needed medical assistance, "the couple just needed time to warm up."



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