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Firefighters pull driver from icy waters of Hackensack River in dramatic rescue

It was determined that the tide was coming up and their life was in danger.

Lauren Due

Jan 7, 2026, 12:14 PM

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There was a dramatic rescue in Bergen County as firefighters plucked a driver from icy waters after their SUV ended up in the Hackensack River around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

When they first responded crews were waved in by on-lookers who found the driver in distress struggling to escape because their leg was trapped.

It was determined that the tide was coming up and their life was in danger.

Two firefighters went into the frigid river to help the driver out. They were able to get the driver on top of the SUV and then onto a rescue boat to safety.

The driver was then evaluated and treated.

The Hackensack Fire Department says they just received specialized water rescue training last year as a result of a FEMA assistance to firefighters grant.

The SUV was lifted out of the water but it's unclear how or why the SUV wound up in the Hackensack River.

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