A dramatic rescue unfolded at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown when a 24-year-old man found himself stuck in chest-high mud while attempting to retrieve his dog.

The incident occurred just after noon, in an area where Stump Pond was drained during a summer storm, leaving behind a vast stretch of exposed mud that proved hazardous for the jogger.

According to police, the man, a resident of Medford, ventured into the mud to rescue his dog, which had wandered onto the drained pond.

What started as a routine walk quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when he became trapped in the thick, sticky mud.

"There's a lot of hazards that are involved in thick mud that you can find yourself in," said Dan Dongvort, Assistant Chief of the Smithtown Fire Department, highlighting the dangers posed by the area.

Police, aided by a helicopter, were able to locate the man. With the help of Smithtown fire rescue crews, two officers were able to pull him free and bring him to safety.

Following the rescue, the victim was placed in a police car to prevent hypothermia. He was treated by Smithtown EMS and released. The man’s dog was reunited with its owner.