Recognized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their role in an ice rescue on Lake Gogebic in March 2024, from left are Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jennifer Lehto (formerly Hanson), Susan Barrette of Bergland, DNR Conservation Officer Zach Painter and Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Steve Amsler. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

SAGOLA — Five individuals were recognized earlier this week for their role in rescuing a Ontonagon man after he broke through the ice on Lake Gogebic in March 2024.

The ceremony during the Michigan Department of Natural Resources meeting Monday at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club in Dickinson County honored Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Jennifer Lehto (formerly Hanson) and Zach Painter, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Steve Amsler and Susan Barrette of Bergland.

Barrette, a homeowner on Lake Gogebic, saw 63-year-old Paul Boehm of Ontonagon crawling on the ice and then fall through, according to news reports at the time. She tried to reach him on a paddleboard but could not through a layer of ice that trapped him in deeper water.

The others waded into the water to get an ice rescue bag to Boehm until the Bergland Volunteer Fire Department launched a boat, then helped pull the boat to shore.

The law enforcement officers received lifesaving awards, while Barrette was issued an Outstanding Citizen Award that may be given to an individual who assists members of the department or the public in any way that tends to physically endanger the citizen. This includes actions by citizens that are instrumental in the apprehension of a criminal and for extraordinary actions taken to protect life or property.

“Everyone in this situation exemplified selfless teamwork in their efforts to rescue Mr. Boehm,” said Chief Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement Division.

Lehto works for the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s recreational safety, education and enforcement section. Painter patrols Menominee County. Both have been conservation officers since 2017.

Maxinoski enlisted with MSP in 2018 and graduated from the 135th Trooper Recruit School. He is assigned to the Wakefield Post.

Amsler patrols the west end of the Upper Peninsula and has been with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission since 2011.

The DNR reminds anyone who is on or near the ice that there is no specific ice thickness deemed to be safe. Always be prepared and cautious whenever venturing out onto the ice. Check the ice and watch for pressure cracks or other signs of water. Just because the ice is strong in one area doesn’t mean it will have the same thickness or strength in other places.

Additional ice safety tips include:

— Keep ice picks in an accessible spot, such as in a chest pocket.

— Don’t rely on what others say regarding ice conditions. Check the ice for yourself.

— Use a spud, auger, stick or axe to check the ice thickness and strength before you go on it.

More information about ice safety is available on the DNR’s website, https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/ice.