On the morning of December 31, 2025, what started as a routine workday for two employees of William Gerhardt Property Improvement turned into a life-saving mission.

Tony Schleihauf and Sourav Sourav had just arrived at their job site near Bayswater when they witnessed something shocking: an SUV flying through the air and crashing onto the ice. “It was less than five minutes after we arrived,” Tony recalled. “We heard a noise, looked up, and there was an SUV heading for the ice.”

The vehicle broke through and began sinking.

Tony immediately dialed 911 while sprinting toward the shoreline, instructing Sourav to grab a rope from their truck. “I told the operator I might have to go in the water because the vehicle was going under,” Tony said. “She told me not to, that first responders were on the way. Then the woman’s head popped up, and my heart started beating at a regular pace again.”

The two men worked quickly. With help from a passerby who was heading to the fire hall, they tied the rope to a signpost and threw it out to the driver. “Sourav helped the lady from the fire department get the sign together and threw it out to her,” Tony explained. The woman was pulled safely to shore just as emergency crews arrived.

Days later, the rescued woman visited Gerhardts to thank Tony and Sourav in person. “She was very nice,” Tony said. “The thanks and her showing up at the shop was unexpected but really nice. It’s a community thing—everyone should be thankful.”

In a world often filled with uncertainty, this act of courage is a reminder that good people still step forward when others need help.