Two Teens PLUNGE Into Frozen Pond

A serene winter landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains under a twilight sky

Jefferson County deputies risked their lives wading through freezing water in standard uniforms to save two teenagers who plunged through dangerously thin ice, demonstrating the extraordinary courage and sacrifice our first responders embody while bureaucrats elsewhere defund police and undermine law enforcement.

Story Snapshot

Two teenage girls, ages 15 and 16, fell through 1.5-2 inch ice at Jefferson County Youth Fishing Pond in Madras, Oregon on January 28, 2026
Deputies CJ Linden, Charles Hatcher, Sergeant Ben Toops, and Sheriff Jason Pollock broke through ice in standard uniforms to execute the rescue
Both teens were hospitalized for hypothermia and are recovering; deputies sustained minor injuries but returned to duty
Body camera footage captured the heroic rescue effort that took place within minutes of the 911 call around 5:15 p.m.

Deputies Break Ice to Reach Submerged Teens

Around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, two teenage girls ventured onto the frozen Jefferson County Youth Fishing Pond at the fairgrounds in Madras, Oregon, unaware the ice measured only 1.5 to 2 inches thick. The ice cracked beneath them near the pond’s north end, plunging both girls into frigid water. Friends in their group immediately called 911 at approximately 5:15 p.m., reporting the girls were submerged, calling for help, and suffering from extreme cold and exhaustion. Within minutes, deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, facing a life-threatening situation with no time to spare.

Rapid Response Without Specialized Equipment

Deputies CJ Linden and Charles Hatcher waded into the icy water in their standard uniforms, breaking through ice with their hands and bodies to reach the struggling teenagers. Sergeant Ben Toops deployed rescue equipment including a bodyboard and rope to assist in extracting the girls from the water. Sheriff Jason Pollock also arrived on scene to provide support during the critical rescue operation. The deputies had no prior knowledge of the water’s depth or exact ice thickness, yet they pressed forward despite the personal danger. Body camera footage captured the intense moments as first responders worked against the clock to save the teens from hypothermia and drowning.

Community-Focused Law Enforcement Saves Lives

Deputy Linden, who serves as a school resource officer, recognized one of the victims from his work in local schools and later visited her in the hospital to check on her recovery. Deputy Hatcher emphasized the department’s connection to the community, stating “This department is a family, and this community is our family.” Both teenagers received on-site treatment for hypothermia before being transported by Jefferson County Fire and EMS to a local hospital. The deputies sustained minor injuries during the rescue but have since recovered and returned to duty. Sheriff Pollock commended the inter-agency coordination and training that enabled the successful outcome, highlighting how local law enforcement prioritizes protecting citizens over their own safety.

Ice Safety Warning Issued After Near-Tragedy

Jefferson County experiences fluctuating winter temperatures that create unstable ice conditions on ponds and lakes throughout the region. The Youth Fishing Pond at the fairgrounds off SW Culver Highway remains a public area where such hazards persist during winter months. Oregon authorities routinely warn against recreational activities on frozen waterways due to rapid thickness changes that can occur with temperature swings. Deputy Linden stressed ice dangers directly to the victims during his hospital visit, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of frozen surfaces. First responders urged parents and community members to avoid frozen waters entirely, as even seemingly solid ice can give way without warning, turning recreation into a life-threatening emergency requiring heroic intervention.