Bantam Fire Company Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Goose Trapped in Frozen River

For Immediate Release:
February 9, 2026

Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Bantam Fire Company in recognition of Third Lieutenant Pete Bergamo’s bravery and determination in rescuing a goose frozen to ice in the Bantam River—where at least four other geese have already frozen to death so far this winter.

Lt. Bergamo sprang into action, quickly gearing up and entering the river—but the frigid waters proved to be deeper than expected. The 12-year-old son of an animal control officer who was on the scene suggested using a roof rake to reach the goose, and Bergamo was able to gently scoop up the goose and pull the bird to safety. The goose was rushed to a wildlife rehabilitator and is recovering from hypothermia, but was otherwise uninjured.

“Without the persistence of Lt. Bergamo and the ingenuity of the kind young person who assisted him, this terrified goose could have endured an agonizingly slow and painful death in the frozen river,” says PETA Founder, Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA encourages everyone to follow their example by acting swiftly whenever they see an animal in need.”

PETA notes that animals are especially vulnerable in cold weather and winter storms, which lead to multiple deaths, injuries, and near-miss rescues each year. Anyone who spots an animal in distress should contact their local animal control agency, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—or, if necessary, 911—and stay with the animal until help arrives.

Lt. Bergamo will receive a framed certificate along with delicious vegan chocolates from PETA.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.