LOON LAKE, Wash. — Stevens County firefighters are being recognized for their heroics while saving a deer that became stranded on frozen Loon Lake.
WATCH: Firefighters rescue stranded deer from frozen lake
PETA says it is bestowing its Compassionate Fire Department Award to Stevens County Fire District 1 for rescuing the deer in January.
Neighbors in the area saw the deer struggling on the ice and called Fish and Wildlife.
Video shows firefighters attempting to lasso the deer on the lake, but failing that, a firefighter hugged the deer, and both were dragged to shore.
The deer was unharmed, warmed up, and released back into the wild.
PETA says the award consists of a framed certificate along with vegan chocolates.
“The dedicated rescuers at Stevens County Fire Protection District 1 didn’t hesitate to jump into action and brave the perilously thin ice of Loon Lake to save a deer from a terrifying predicament,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA hopes their heroic actions inspire people everywhere to step up and help when they see an animal in need.”
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