Tiverton rescuers come to aid of cat stuck in grate

TIVERTON — “A cat with its head stuck in a drain grate,” was the call that went out to Tiverton rescuers at 3:48 p.m.on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from the area of 34 Chace Avenue.

Firefighter Brad Lynch and Fire Lieutenant Engine 2 Josh Ferreira arrived to find that a cat was indeed in a tight spot. Both firefighters are trained in "man versus machine" extrications and problems and they first tried soap and water.

When that failed they resorted to a cutting tool — a “whizzer” — to cut through the grate bars.

It worked. At 4:21 p.m., they radioed back: “The cat has been extricated."

The cat was taken to the vet and pronounced okay.

"I can't thank you enough for quickly responding to my call," wrote Carrie Garcia Rose on the Tiverton Fire Department Facebook Page. "You came and rescued my neighbor's cat who was stuck in the cover of a storm drain.Your team was calm and worked together quickly to free his head from the grate. How he ever got stuck like that we will never know but I am sure he has learned a lesson! After a visit to the vets he is safe, warm and doing great with his family! Thank you again!!!!"

To which the Fire Department and Chief Robert Lloyd responded, "Our staff takes great pride in being ready to help everyone at a moments notice. The skills and the tools they used were the product of their wanting to not just be good at what they do, but to be great at what they do. They sought out the classes and needed equipment for just these type of calls. You truly have remarkable people serving the community. I am truly proud to call them my family!"