Waterford Firefighters Rescue Kitten From Tree in Pontiac
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 30, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – After 14 hours about 18 feet up in a pine tree in Pontiac, a little kitten just five weeks old was rescued by Waterford firefighters.
The kitten was saved near Colony Lane and E. Walton in Pontiac where the department provides services.  Kolleen Miller made the call and took the lead on caring for the rescued cat.  She posted on Facebook about the experience, saying “I cant thank these gentlemen enough!!! After she (5 week old kitten) had been in the tree about 18 feet up for 14 hours, with a few failed attempts to rescue her, these warm-hearted and kind gentlemen went above and beyond with the go ahead from their Battalion Chief Josh Doorman, by responding with both the ladder and bucket truck to help in her rescue. On scene all 5 gentlemen took part in making sure she was rescued in a safe and kitten friendly manner. They all took part in her rescue and did it with smiles, kind conversation with me and care and concern for this frightened kitten. Thank you so very much for showing so much compassion to an animal in need and helping with giving me the chance to put her on a road to recovery with lots of yummy formula and all the warmth and love she needs.
Also a huge thank you to Laurie in dispatch for your compassion, understanding, love and concern for the well-being of animals and kindness toward me during my expression of frustration and concern. Not having to, you got the ball rolling to help with her rescue. You were very comforting, professional and helped to ease my worry about the little fur baby, thank you!”
Battalion Chief Josh Dorman told Oakland County Times “Two apparatus responded with an Engine and a Tower. There were five WRFD staff members: Acting Lieutenant Tim Green, Paramedic/Engineer Jeremy Suydam, Paramedic/Engineer Dohn Lyons, Paramedic/Engineer John Little, and Paramedic/Engineer John Carrier.
“The tower holds 250 gallons of water and is mostly used for defensive fires but, has a role in rescue operations.
“The Tower is 105 feet fully extended and also carries a cache of ground ladders, one of which was used to reach the kitten in the tree. The Engine holds 500 gallons of water and is used primarily for fire ground operations such as water supply and pumping water for fire attack. Our Engines also respond to medical incidents and a host of other call types.
“Our mission is to serve the public the best we can in all types of circumstances. Sometimes this includes animal rescues; when it’s considered low risk or when call volume for other types of emergencies isn’t expected to be interrupted.”
Learn more about the Waterford Regional Fire Department on their website.
Oakland County Times is a reader-supported publication. Please chip in on our PayPal page or sign up for a monthly pledge on Patreon.