Rachel Raposas is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2024.

New Jersey firefighters had to get creative for their latest rescue!

The Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department responded to a dog needing rescue on Dec. 22. The canine had fallen through the ice over Shadow Lake and was struggling to escape the frigid water. According to a post on the fire department's Instagram, the pet managed to swim to a nearby island, roughly 75 feet offshore, where the dog became stranded.

The Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department added on social media that "Assistant Chief Piccoli" arrived on the scene minutes after the call about the dog came in. Shortly afterward, rescue crews arrived, dressed in ice gear, and prepared to fetch the dog. The assembled team of dog rescuers also commandeered a nearby homeowner's canoe, the post from the fire department shared.

"With some teamwork -- and a few treats to win the dog's trust -- Firefighters Jost and Chazen were able to leash the pup and bring him safely back to shore," the post added.

Photos from the fire department show two volunteers in bright yellow full-body suits and red helmets scooting themselves and the canoe across the ice to reach the dog.

Another photo shows the firefighters on their stomachs, with one person breaking through the ice and the other gripping the side of the canoe.

This hard work led to success. The fire department also posted a photo of the stranded dog safely tucked in the canoe and heading home.

Never miss a story -- sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Franklin Lakes Fire Department thanked the local volunteer ambulance corps for being on hand and prepared to rehabilitate the volunteer rescuers.

"Another successful rescue showing the strength of teamwork and dedication of our Volunteers!" the post concluded.