Hopewell cop’s daring rescue of dog from icy pond caught on video

HOPEWELL — Three police officers are credited for saving a dog who fell into a backyard pond.

Hopewell Township Police released video of Officer Robert Voorhees, with a rope tied around his waist, crawling on his stomach toward the ice where Nisel had fallen in last Friday.

The patrol officer volunteered for the job at the home on Pennington Harbourton Road as fellow officers George Peterson and Specialist Dave VanDoren guided the rope.

The dog's owner shouted "good girl" as Voorhees slowly made his way towards Nisel, who swam toward him. Voorhees grabbed Nisel as Peterson and VanDoren quickly pulled him back.

"I got a puppy at home. I was crying," Voorhees told Nisel's owner as they embraced after the rescue.

"Officers Voorhees and Peterson, along with their fellow emergency responders did a great job Friday night. I am not surprised by Officer Voorhees’ actions as I know how much he cares for animals, especially dogs. I am glad that Nisel is doing well and I am very proud of Officers Voorhees and Peterson," Hopewell Police Chief Lance Maloney told New Jersey 101.5.

NJ PBA president Patrick Culligan said the rescue is indicative of his own personal mantra about law enforcement: "you never know what the next call's going to bring."

"It's what we do everyday. We're out there and I am certainly glad (Nisel's owner) called 911 and there was a safe outcome. Great job by Hopewell," said the president of the union that represents Hopewell officers.

Hopewell Valley Emergency Services and Pennington Fire Company responded to the call.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ.