In an exclusive interview with Norwalk deputy fire chief Jonathan Maggio, he recounted the dramatic rescue of a swan trapped on a frozen Connecticut river. Initially presumed lifeless, the motionless swan had bystanders convinced of its demise. However, Maggio and his team were determined to attempt a rescue, hoping to save the creature.
Alerted by concerned citizens, Maggio swiftly mobilized a team to aid the distressed swan, stranded for days under a bridge. The rescue operation, involving 23 responders and wildlife experts, took around 30 minutes to free the swan from its icy confinement. Despite initial trepidation, the swan responded positively to the rescuers’ efforts, eventually dubbed “Clancey” by the team.
Following the rescue, Clancey was promptly transported to a veterinary facility for treatment. Cold-stunned and dehydrated, the swan was carefully tended to, with staff delicately removing ice from its body. Encouragingly, Clancey showed signs of improvement shortly after receiving medical attention.
Now under the care of the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital, Clancey is anticipated to fully recuperate from the chilling ordeal. Maggio, reflecting on his three-decade-long rescue career, expressed immense satisfaction at the successful outcome, deeming the swan’s rescue a memorable highlight in his professional journey.