On the morning of December 17, 2023, a family found themselves in a situation that treaded dangerously between life and death.
Just days before Christmas, a morning of games quickly turned into a nightmare that lasted for several hours.
Thankfully for the family, not all heroes wear capes – some of them wear a badge and a whole lot of courage.
Trooper Michelle Archer was cruising her usual patrol route when she received a harrowing call.
An 80-year-old man from the area called 911.
One of his grandchildren fell into the ice and time was quickly running out.
The little girl and her sister were playing around the pond on their property when the ice gave way.
The two girls plunged into the frigid waters and were in danger of drowning.
The 80-year-old man managed to pull one of the girls out of the water as she was closer to the shore. However, he wasn’t able to reach the older girl.
Trooper Archer arrived at the scene less than five minutes later.
It was a race against time at that point. Trooper Archer snatched a length of rope and a flotation device from her patrol cruiser and then jumped into action.
“Something took over and I just kicked into gear. I don’t know if it was my training or instinct, but panic wasn’t a thought at that moment.” She recalled to WCAX.
The harrowing rescue was all recorded by Trooper Archer’s body cam. The trooper submerged into the frigid waters as she made her way to the little girl. The recording also captured how deep the water was.
But there was no time to think or worry.
Trooper Archer grabbed the little girl and never let her go. They both swam to shore where they both collapsed over the ice.
Fortunately, on the other side of the ponds, sirens and lights were blaring. Another officer, Trooper Kieth Cole, quickly ran to Trooper Archer and the girl.
Fortunately, nobody was severely harmed in the accident.
The little girl was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center. She made a complete recovery and was sent home soon after.
Trooper Archer conceded that the events were nothing short of a miracle. She can only say that there were a lot of things that “lined up” that day just for them to end up with the best outcome.
“I don’t consider myself a hero. I happened to be the first one there and a job needed to be done. And like I said before, I was there to do that job.” She said to WCAX.
The Vermont State Police leadership recognized and commended the efforts of the two police officers. Cote and Archer received the agency’s Lifesaving Award together with a civilian who also helped in the rescue.
People all over the world also commended their actions.
“You both are heroes. You were both in the right place at the right time. Thank you for saving that little girl’s life.” Said one commenter on the video that was posted on the department’s Facebook account.
“Thank you both for your strength and courage in saving that sweet little girl. Vermont is very proud of you.” Said another.
Watch how these officers acted when they responded to a girl who fell into a frozen pond.
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