Officers Plunge Into Frozen Pond in Glendale Heights and Save Three

Glendale Heights news: Heroic officers Dennis Stachura and Marco Lomibao perform a life-saving cold water rescue at a local pond.

by Admin

Feb 6, 2026

On a bitterly cold Sunday morning in December 2025, the quiet of Glendale Heights, Illinois, was broken by a life-threatening emergency. At approximately 1:35 a.m., a vehicle lost control and plunged into a frozen pond near the intersection of Burdette Avenue and Roberta Avenue. With air temperatures hovering at a bone-chilling 1 degree, every second became a battle for survival for the three people trapped in the frigid water.

The Race Against Time at the Frozen Pond

When the Glendale Heights Police Department arrived on the scene, they found a dire situation. The car was submerged about 12 feet underwater, and three victims were struggling to stay afloat in the ice-filled pond, roughly 30 feet from the shoreline. The extreme cold posed an immediate threat of hypothermia, leaving the victims with very little time before their bodies would succumb to the freezing temperatures.

Selfless Bravery in Sub-Zero Temperatures

Without hesitation, responding Officers Dennis Stachura and Marco Lomibao took immediate action to protect their community. Both officers jumped into the frozen water, pushing through the ice to reach the victims. Body camera footage captured the harrowing moments as they worked to keep the three individuals afloat while navigating the jagged ice. Throughout the struggle, the officers remained a steady presence, repeatedly telling the victims, "we got you," to keep them calm during the chaotic rescue.

"It was pure adrenaline and instincts," Officer Marco Lomibao later recalled when describing the life-or-death moment. Officer Dennis Stachura shared the same sentiment, noting that while he lost feeling in his body due to the cold, his only focus was the instinct to save those in need. Their quick thinking and physical courage ensured that all three victims were successfully pulled to the safety of the shore.

A Community Protected by Quick Action

The rescue was a true team effort, as additional members of the Glendale Heights police rescue team and the Glenside Fire Protection District provided critical support to bring everyone back to land. Fortunately, all three victims were treated for only minor injuries, and the officers involved were also uninjured. While the driver was later charged with Driving Under the Influence, the focus of the community remains on the incredible heroism displayed by the Glendale Heights IL police that night.

Reflecting on the Human Side of Policing

This dramatic event serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication found within our local law enforcement. These officers did not just follow a protocol; they risked their own safety in 1 degree weather to ensure three neighbors could return home to their families. It is these proactive acts of kindness and bravery that build the foundation of trust between a police department and the people they serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the standard police procedures for a water rescue?

When a vehicle enters a body of water, police departments prioritize rapid response and scene stabilization. Officers are trained to assess the depth and temperature of the water while calling for specialized dive teams or fire department assistance. In many cases, the first officers on the scene must use immediate tools, like throw bags or personal intervention, to keep victims afloat until more equipment arrives.

2. How do first responders handle cold water rescue situations?

First responders utilize specific techniques to manage the risks of hypothermia and "cold shock." This often involves wearing thermal protection if available or using reaching and throwing techniques to avoid multiple people becoming trapped in the ice. Once victims are removed from the water, the focus shifts to gradual rewarming and medical transport to prevent further injury.

3. What should you do if your car goes into a pond?

The most important step is to remain calm and act quickly before the vehicle's electrical system fails. Experts recommend unbuckling seatbelts and exiting through a side window as soon as possible. If the windows will not open, use a heavy object to break the glass. Once outside the vehicle, swim toward the nearest shore or stay on top of the vehicle if it is not fully submerged.

4. How do the Police Departments coordinate with fire districts?

Local police departments often work in a community safety partnership with fire protection districts for complex emergencies. During a car crash or water rescue, police typically manage traffic and initial life-saving efforts, while fire crews provide advanced medical care and specialized extraction equipment.

5. Why is driving under the influence especially dangerous in winter?

DUI incidents are significantly more dangerous during winter months due to icy roads and poor visibility. Impaired judgment reduces a driver’s ability to react to sliding or black ice, often leading to severe accidents like the one seen in Glendale Heights news recently. Law enforcement agencies increase patrols during these times to prevent such tragedies and keep the roads safe.

6. What equipment do police use for ice rescues?

While some patrol cars carry basic rescue ropes or life rings, many departments rely on specialized ice sleds and dry suits provided by rescue teams. In emergency situations where equipment has not yet arrived, officers must rely on their training and teamwork to utilize whatever tools are available to reach victims safely without falling through thin ice themselves.