Helicopter Crew Rescues Goldendoodle From Freezing River

A goldendoodle named Cooper is safe at home today thanks to sheriff's deputies who launched a helicopter rescue when he fell into Central New York's icy Seneca River.

A passerby in Baldwinsville spotted Cooper struggling to stay afloat in the frigid water and immediately called 911. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office dispatched their helicopter, which arrived on scene within one minute.

Sergeant Jim Farley and Deputy Levi Taylor didn't hesitate when they heard the call. "We both look at each other and go, 'Oh yeah, we're going on this,'" Farley said.

The rescue became personal for Farley, whose own kids have a goldendoodle at home. "I thought about my kids for a second. It was hitting home for a minute, and I'm like, I want to do everything I can to try to help this dog," he explained.

Deputy Taylor climbed onto the helicopter's skids to reach Cooper. Within six minutes of arriving, they pulled the shivering dog to safety and wrapped him in warm blankets before reuniting him with his grateful owners.

Sunny's Take

This wasn't even the team's first water rescue. Just two weeks earlier, they'd performed a similar mission. Their quick response shows how seriously these deputies take every life in their community, whether it has two legs or four.

For Farley and Taylor, the mission required the same level of skill and courage as any human rescue. Taylor knew exactly what needed to happen the moment he saw Cooper in the water, and the team executed their plan flawlessly.

Cooper is now recovering comfortably at home with his family, no doubt getting extra treats and attention after his frightening adventure.

When first responders say they serve their entire community, they mean it.