Truro Firefighters, Police Receive PETA Award for Heroic Rescue of Deer

First Responders Work for Hours to Free Terrified Animal Stuck at Bottom of Well

For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2012

Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382 

Truro, Mass. -- On Sunday, January 29, the Truro Police Department and Truro Fire Rescue were alerted to a deer who had fallen down a 12-foot dry well and couldn't escape. When attempts to lower a rope into the well and slip it around the deer failed, the responders decided that someone would have to venture into the well and secure the deer. Fire Capt. Shannon Corea answered the call, descended into the well, and soothed the deer long enough to slip the rope around the animal's midsection. The firefighters and police above gently pulled the deer to the surface and released the animal. The rescue took several hours, and the deer—who possibly had been trapped for days and appeared to be only slightly injured—bounded at full speed back into the forest.

For their heroic rescue, the Truro Police Department and Truro Fire Rescue will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.

"The compassion and heroism shown by Truro's firefighters and police should serve as an example to emergency-service agencies across the country," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Truro is very fortunate to have first responders who are ready to protect and serve both residents and wildlife in need of their expert and lifesaving help."

The fire and police departments will each receive a framed certificate, vegan chocolates, and a letter of appreciation.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.