January 1, 2026 — The Hammonton Fire Department began the new year with an early-morning rescue, responding to its first call of 2026 involving a cat trapped inside a storm drain. The incident followed a busy year in which the department handled more than 600 calls in 2025, underscoring the steady demand for emergency services. Firefighters safely retrieved the animal, ensuring it was unharmed before reuniting it with its relieved owner. Officials emphasized that regardless of the nature of the call, the department remains committed to assisting the community and protecting both residents and animals.