Off-Duty Firefighter Brothers Rescue Mom and Son from Lake

**Firefighters Honoured for Daring Lake Rescue**

Three firefighters from Cary, Illinois, have received accolades for their courageous actions during a dramatic rescue on January 13, 2026, at Lake Killarney. The Cary Fire Protection District was called to the scene after reports emerged of a mother and her son struggling in icy waters.

The trouble began around 4:38 p.m. when the authorities received a distress call about individuals requiring assistance on the frozen lake. It was revealed that an adult and a teenager had fallen through the ice while attempting to go ice fishing, approximately 50 to 75 feet from the shoreline.

Cody Delatorre, an off-duty firefighter and local resident, was one of the first to respond, alerted by the rescue call. He recalled later, “I saw the address and thought, ‘Oh, that’s right up the street.’” Upon arrival, he was faced with the daunting sight of two people submerged in the freezing water. With concerns for their safety mounting, Cody quickly realised he would need additional help.

At this moment, Cody’s brother, Ben Delatorre, also a firefighter off-duty, appeared on the scene. The pair wasted little time as they formulated a plan to rescue the stranded individuals, utilising an extension cord procured from the backseat of Cody’s vehicle.

Ben recounted his emotions during the rescue, saying, “I heard the ice cracking, so I got down on my knees to distribute my weight.” He was particularly alarmed when he heard the young boy’s desperate pleas, telling them, “I don’t know how much longer I have.” With his head barely above water, Ben realised time was of the essence.

Acting swiftly, Ben dropped the extension cord and was able to grasp the teenager by the collar and pull him to safety. However, as he focused on the boy, Cody fell into the water while attempting to rescue the mother. Fortunately, by this time, emergency crews had arrived, with firefighter Kyler Ochab donning his gear to assist in the operation.

In a coordinated effort that lasted approximately eight minutes, the firefighters rescued both the mother and son. They were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals, along with a well-meaning neighbour who had also tried to help and fell through the ice but sustained only minor injuries.

On February 23, the Cary Fire Protection District officially recognised the bravery of the Delatorre brothers and Ochab, presenting them with the Milton A. Neeley Lifesaving Award. This award serves as a testament to their selfless actions in the face of danger, as the department commended their coordinated efforts that were critical to securing a successful outcome.

“Their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way was instrumental in saving lives,” the fire department noted in a social media announcement about the trio’s heroics. This award ceremony also provided a poignant moment when the rescuers reunited with the mother and son, demonstrating the profound impact their actions had on the family.

Expressing his sentiments during the ceremony, Cody commented, “To see that they’re alive and well, and that they weren’t hurt, is definitely a good outcome and a good feeling.” The reunion highlighted the emotional weight of the rescue and underscored the importance of bravery in emergency situations.

The incident has resonated deeply within the local community, reminding residents of the risks posed by winter activities such as ice fishing, especially in conditions where safety is compromised. The acts of the Delatorre brothers and Kyler Ochab exemplify the courage and commitment displayed by first responders, both on and off duty, and serve as an inspiring story of community spirit and heroism.