Michigan DNR officers honored for saving fisherman who fell through ice in February

Two Macomb County conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources were presented DNR Lifesaving Awards for saving the life of a fisherman who fell through ice in February.

Conservation Officers Joe Deppen and Kris Kiel had already assisted two ice anglers along the northeast side of Anchor Bay in Ira Township last February when they decided to warn all the fisherman to get off the ice, according to a news release announcing the award.

One of those fishermen, about 100 yards out from Deppen's and Kiel's position, dismissed their warnings and claimed he would be fine. He eventually decided to return to shore and was 30-40 yards away from the officers when the ice beneath one of his legs broke.

The man had a life jacket, but his attempts to get back on the ice only caused it to break further. Deppen and Kiel told the man to try rolling onto the ice, and attempted to throw him a rope.

Nothing worked and after five minutes Deppen put on a life jacket and went into the freezing water, grabbing the man while Kiel pulled them to safety.

The fisherman survived and, after warming up, reportedly refused medical attention.

"Deppen risked his own life when he chose to enter the water, and Kiel made sure that both men safely made it back to shore,” Jason Haines, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division, said in a news release.

The same news release also announced Deppen had won the 2023 Shikar Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year award, the highest state honor for conservation officers.

The news release cites Deppen's work as an investigator and in training new officers about wildlife and water safety.

"Deppen is ready and willing to help every day with a positive attitude, is well-respected and valued by those within and outside of the DNR and is often requested by the public to assist at community events,” Haines said.

Deppen patrols southeast Michigan including Harsens Island, Lake St. Clair and St. Clair Flats. He has worked with DNR since 2016,

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Michigan DNR officers honored for saving fisherman who fell through ice in February