Unusual Morning Rescue in Rome: Firefighters and Law Enforcement Save Trapped Kitten

ROME, NY — Firefighters from Rome Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 694 responded to an unconventional technical rescue Monday morning, successfully freeing a kitten trapped within the electrical base of a municipal crosswalk signal.

On the morning of August 24, Engine 2 was dispatched after Oneida County Sheriff’s Special Patrol Officer (SPO) Deputy Eric Fabrizio discovered the animal lodged inside the base of the pedestrian signal assembly while on duty and requested fire service assistance.

Responding firefighters evaluated the structure and carefully disassembled the access compartment of the signal base to reach the frightened animal without causing injury or damaging municipal equipment. The kitten was safely extracted and assessed on scene.

Following the rescue, local community members Angie Townsend and Tina Gonzales stepped forward to provide immediate care, cleaning up the animal and agreeing to provide it with a permanent, safe home.