(3-7-21) At approximately 2:45pm the Cass County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a man who had fallen through the ice.

This incident occurred on Saddlebag Lake in Marcellus Township, Cass County, Michigan.Upon arrival the male was in the water, holding onto the ice and could not get out. Deputies along with the Marcellus Fire Department suited up in rescue gear and went onto the ice to save Ronald First (58) of Cassopolis. The rescue team was able to pull Ronald from the water successfully and move him to the shore . Ronald was evaluated by ambulance personal and he was not transported to the hospital.

The 911 caller that reported the incident was Thomas First (28) ofDowagiacwho was out on the ice as well. Thomas also fell through the ice but was able to pull himself out of the water and back onto the ice.

Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the incident.Assisting agencies were Marcellus Fire/Ambulance, Michigan State Police and Tribal Police.