Fire Department

A cockatiel is back home safe and sound thanks to firefighters from Station 8.

The owner of the tropical bird called 911 distraught because it escaped her home and perched in a tree about a half-block away. With high temperatures that day around 27 degrees and descending with nightfall, there was concern that it would freeze to death. Animal Services Officers were off-duty at the time, so firefighters were summoned to see what could be done.

Ladder Company 8 responded to Concord Avenue. The crew used its aerial platform to bring a firefighter up to the tree where the bird was perched. The bird remained calm and still as the tower drew near. The firefighter was able to get a hold of the bird and safely return it to its owner waiting on the ground, who was most grateful for their help.

Pictured: Ladder 8's aerial platform lowered to the ground, as seen on MATC's training grounds