When a scared kitten got trapped in a New York City sewer, the NYPD proved its commitment to protect and serve regardless of species. ESU Det. Brian Hirsch and his partner Police Officer Mathew Gale were called to the scene in Queens around 8:30 Wednesday morning. The cat could be heard crying for help, but no one knew how to rescue the small kitten from the deep storm drain.
After evaluating the situation, the pair of NYPD officers determined there was really only one thing to do. They pried open the grate and could see the pale-furred kitten about 20 feet away. Determined to do everything possible to help, Hirsh lowered himself into the waste-deep sewage.
For 45 minutes, the officer stayed in the storm drain trying to coax the fearful feline toward him. He couldn’t get into the small pipe where the kitten was seeking refuge, and he needed to earn the cat’s trust. Finally, his soft coaxing started to work. The kitten made its way inch by inch toward the man who was trying to save it.
NYPD Special Ops Chief Harry Wedin tweeted about the incident saying,
“ESU Detective Hirsch is feline good this morning after climbing down a storm drain and rescuing a trapped kitten.”
The kitten was almost frozen with fear, but it eventually came close enough for Hirsch to reach and grab. He took the small kitten into his arms and gently passed him up to his waiting partner before climbing out of the sewer. The kitten was dirty and scared but safe and unhurt. Thanks to Hirsch’s valiant efforts and sacrifice, the kitten was returned to its panicked owner.
Featured Image Source: Twitter/NYPD Special Ops
