Man In Red Suit Rescues Deer On Frozen Pond

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Man In Red Suit Rescues Deer On Frozen Pond

Benjamin O'Keefe/L4262 Sunriver Professional Firefighters

The Oregon fire department gave old Kris Kringle a run for his money, when a firefighter went to save a deer trapped on a frozen pond.

On Dec. 8, firefighter Jeff "JJ" Johnston, who was adorned in a vibrant red suit, traveled on an equally bright red ice rescue sled to bring the shaken animal to safety.

The deer had been unable to stand on the slippery ice, falling every time it tried to raise its front front legs.

Johnston was able to coax the deer in front of the sled, so he could push them both to dry land, and after a few extra nudges and some pets of reassurance, the deer was free to gallop away.

While Johnston said he was delighted to rescue the deer, the adventure took its toll on the animal.

"I think he was a little tired, or sore," Johnston told news station KTVZ.

Recorded by Benjamin O'Keefe, a captain in the fire department of the resort and residential community, the footage has quickly become viral.

Since its release, the video has been seen across the internet and picked up by several broadcasters in the United States and overseas.

"JJ was talking to it the whole time," Tammie Waters, the office manager for the Sunriver Fire Department told the Associated Press. "The deer played along pretty good."

This was the first time the ice rescue sled had been used. While Waters said she hopes the an accident never occurs, the firefighters will be prepared.

"It was a great way to get training, and rescue a deer," Waters said.

What's your favorite animal rescue story?

Maya has been working at Shared for a year. She just begrudgingly spent $200 on a gym membership. Contact her at maya@shared.com