The animal-rights group is giving 3rd Lt. Pete Bergamo a Compassionate Firefighter Award after he waded into icy water to save a goose trapped on the Bantam River

By Liz Hardaway
Journal Inquirer

TIVERTON, R.I. — PETA is recognizing the Bantam Fire Company for its recent rescue of a goose that was trapped in a frozen river, the organization said on Monday.

PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is sending a Compassionate Firefighter Award to 3rd Lt. Pete Bergamo, who saved the stuck bird from the Bantam River on the morning of Feb. 1.

| MORE: Animal rescues: Who ya gonna call? The fire department!

Bantam Fire Company Chief Ryan Litwin said there was a Facebook post circulating about geese in distress at around 9:30 a.m. Bergamo, who is also the dive team captain for the Region 5 Dive Team, responded and donned a dry suit to wade through the frozen river, according to Litwin.

PETA said the frigid waters were deeper than expected, and the 12-year-old son of an animal control officer suggested using a roof rake to reach the goose.

“Bergamo was able to gently scoop up the goose and pull the bird to safety,” PETA said. “The goose was rushed to a wildlife rehabilitator and is recovering from hypothermia, but was otherwise uninjured.”

The goose, which was rescued at around 10 a.m., is being cared for at Bandit’s Place in Barkhamsted, Litwin said.

PETA noted that at least four other geese have already frozen to death at the river so far this winter.

“Without the persistence of Lt. Bergamo and the ingenuity of the kind young person who assisted him, this terrified goose could have endured an agonizingly slow and painful death in the frozen river,” said PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk in a statement. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by acting swiftly whenever they see an animal in need.”

Litwin said the Bantam Fire Company strives to help the community in any way it can, including helping its animal friends.

“While this is not ‘routine’ for the fire service, we will always do our best to help solve whatever problem we are presented with,” Litwin said. “Pete is a tremendous volunteer and I am thankful he was able to render aid.”

The organization is sending Bergamo a framed certificate and vegan chocolates as part of the award.

Anyone who spots an animal in distress should contact their local animal control agency, police department or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

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