From the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts:
Horse Rescued from Floodwaters in Coon Creek
On Saturday, April 4, 2026, early in the morning, the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts was made aware of a potential animal water rescue in the 22900 block of Anthony Road in unincorporated Marengo.
Firefighters and sheriff’s deputies arrived a short time later and located a horse standing in floodwaters approximately 600 feet from the nearest shore.
Coon Creek had overflowed its banks following recent storms, and it is believed the horse had been swept away overnight.
With cold water temperatures and an unknown amount of time spent in the water, the situation quickly became time sensitive.
A rescue plan was developed as crews evaluated the conditions and the strength of the current.
An initial team utilized a boat to reach the horse, carefully working in the moving water.
Additional personnel, along with a veterinarian, waded from shore toward the creek to assist with the operation.
The boat crew then transported the veterinarian across the creek to a small peninsula where the horse had taken footing.
From that position, the veterinarian began providing care, administering medication and taking measures to stabilize the animal, which was suffering from significant hypothermia, while crews prepared for the next phase of the rescue.
The incident was upgraded through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System to bring additional swift water technicians to the scene for specialized expertise and manpower.
With their assistance, the horse was carefully guided across the creek, which is estimated to be approximately 15 feet deep due to elevated flood conditions.
Once at the creek’s edge, nearly two dozen personnel worked together to move the animal to the roadway.
During the operation, one individual who had initially assisted with the rescue was transported to a local hospital for evaluation due to cold exposure.
The horse was then loaded into a trailer and transported to a veterinary facility for continued medical care.
It was late in the afternoon when the animal was ultimately transported from the scene.
“It was a challenging and time-sensitive rescue, but we are pleased with the outcome,” said Chief John Kimmel.
“Floodwaters can be unpredictable and dangerous for both people and animals.
“We appreciate the coordinated efforts of all personnel who assisted with bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.”
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts would like to thank Dr. Nicky Wessel with Cutting Edge Equine Veterinary Services for her critical role in caring for the animal during the rescue, as well as Deputy Waters with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office for assisting on scene.
Additional support was provided by the Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response Technical Response Team.
The Districts also thank the numerous agencies that responded to the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System activation, along with the dispatchers who coordinated the response, for their assistance and for providing coverage within the community during the incident.
