Joe Pipia, Ohio State’s equipment manager for the women’s rowing team, jumped into icy reservoir waters to rescue a young boy and his dog who had fallen through the ice last month.

Pipia was helping the Buckeyes rowers move boats from the Scioto to the Olentangy River when he saw a woman, three children and a dog walking near the water. When the dog was allowed off his leash, he walked out on the ice and fell through. Daniel Neese, 4, followed his dog onto the ice and also ended up in the water.

Pipia jumped into the water after the boy and dog and, with help from a the boy’s mother and a two-by four, got everyone to dry land. The trio dried off in the boathouse. No one was seriously injured.

A few days later, Daniel sent Pipia a thank you note that read in orange marker, “Dear Joe, Thank you for saving my life. Love, Daniel.”