When we think of firefighters and cats, we often conjure up images of ladders stretched into trees and firefighters rescuing felines from high among the branches. But fire rescue responders do far more for cats than just getting them out of trees, such as saving them from dire situations like near-drownings, painful trappings, and house fires.
As for the trusty Dalmatian as the mascot of fire stations, that concept is outdated. Firehouses across the country are finding comfort in the company of cats. Maybe one little kitten rescued from a car engine by the Madison County Fire Department in Kentucky will become a firehouse cat someday too!
Rescuing a Kitten, One of the Many Adventures of Fire Rescue
While at a client’s home in one of the suburban neighborhoods of Richmond, KY, a traveling nurse learned a neighbor heard meowing coming from her car. Investigating, she discovered a kitten stuck inside the car’s engine. She called the Madison County Fire Department for help, and Engine 3 soon arrived.
The Department’s Lieutenant Logan King related the tale to the Richmond Register, explaining the crew had to remove the air filter box in order to reach inside the engine compartment. While they couldn’t grab the kitten, the crew was able to make enough racket to “persuade” the kitten to move to the bottom of the compartment where Firefighter Tharp was waiting to pull it out.
“When a cat gets themselves into a situation, we tend to believe they will get themselves out of that same situation,” said Lieutenant King.
But with this call, the kitten was in danger because of where it was caught in the engine. King also mentioned that seeing felines in car engines during the winter is a pretty common occurrence as it offers a warm refuge from the cold. These calls are rare in the summertime, but kittens are a mischievous lot who find trouble in any weather!
One of the goals the Madison County Fire Department adheres to is “helping the citizens of Madison County.” As this call proves, this means all citizens, even the tiniest and furriest among them. Thanks to the responding engine and the nurse who made the call, the kitten found safety and a forever home after a harrowing adventure.
And while cats often find themselves rescued by firefighters, kitties do a pretty good job of helping out the heroes who save us…
Meet a Few Firehouse Cats
Cats are known to make people feel more at ease and even help lower blood pressure. And for first responders who deal with dangerous, high-stress scenes on the regular, having a kitty around can help soothe the soul.
Peanut Butter is one such fire house cat, and he’s happy to call the Engine 5 crew of Rochester, NY his buddies.
Though she’s retired now, Fire Cat Edna served the San Francisco Fire Department Station 49 with purride for 5 years, and her fire rescue family loves their feline treasure with devoted fierceness!
Black Jack stands watch for the Detroit Fire Department and serves as a champion mouser!
And here’s station cat, Larry.
As one of her crew shared, “She just showed up one day and we’ve taken care of her ever since. 24 firefighters over 3 shifts rarely agree on much, but we all really like her.”
Firehouse Jax calls the Blanchard Fire Station in Oklahoma home, and he’s got a smile that can brighten even the hardest of days!
Patrolling the Belmont Fire Department in Greenville, South Carolina, Flame the Arson Cat has definite cattitude, claiming trucks for his napping spots and demanding treats as his contract so dictates. But to be a cat who demands satisfaction, he’s a sweet kitty who loves his fire rescue family!
And, when it comes to firefighters and cats, let’s not forget these guys…Topless Aussie Firemen Cuddle Cats For Sexy Charity Calendar!
H/T: www.WKYT.com
Feature Image: Madison County Fire Department/Facebook