Pictured, from left, are Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jennifer Lehto (Hanson), Susan Barrette, of Bergland, Conservation Officer Zach Painter and Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Steve Amsler were recognized for their quick and effective actions that saved an angler's life when he broke through the ice of Lake Gogebic in Ontonagon County in March 2024. (Courtesy photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — “The greatest of all virtues is to save a life,” an unknown author has been cited as writing. With that in mind, five individuals received top awards Monday at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources meeting at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club in Dickinson County for doing just that, saving someone’s life.

It was March 2024 when the situation took place. An ice fisherman, Paul Boehm, 63, of Ontonagon, broke through thin ice multiple times on Lake Gogebic near Merriweather in Bergland Township while trying to walk to shore from his shanty.

He was observed struggling in frigid water about 100 feet from shore by a lakeside resident, who called for emergency assistance. Those respondents and the resident were recognized this week.

DNR Conservation Officers Jennifer Lehto (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, were recognized for their quick and effective actions.

The law enforcement officers received lifesaving awards, while Barrette was issued an “Outstanding Citizen Award.” That award may be given to a citizen 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 currently 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.

Ice safety

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 tell you 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 at Michigan.gov/IceSafety.