Members of the Hurt Volunteer Fire Department were recognized by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night for saving two teenagers from an icy pond.

The first responders saved the lives of two teenage cousins who had fallen through the ice on a pond in their backyard in Hurt on January 19.

Despite warnings about the dangers of walking on the frozen pond, the teenagers ventured onto the ice and within minutes one fell into the freezing water, prompting the other to attempt a rescue which led to both boys being submerged in the icy water.

One teen demonstrated remarkable quick thinking and bravery by using his waterlogged phone to call 911, an action that was critical to the prompt arrival of emergency responders.

The Pittsylvania County emergency dispatchers acted swiftly and efficiently in coordinating the rescue response, ensuring that first responders arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the distress call.

The dedicated first responders, including members of the fire and rescue team, arrived at the 300 block of Lonesome Road and demonstrated exceptional courage, skill and professionalism in executing the successful rescue of both teenagers from the freezing water.