A word to the wise about discarding trash
If summer ever returns, the Historic City news desk will no doubt get at least one report of a sea turtle caught in discarded plastic rings thrown into the water by a thoughtless fisherman, or some other animal whose had an unfortunate run in with litter that was not put in its proper place.
Today, however, it was a wise old owl who had given up on ways to free itself from a twisted fishing line. The bird was found perched high in a pine tree near Turnbull Creek; with the wire caught in its talons and looped around its face, beak, and wings.
The owl managed to perch itself high in a pine tree near Turnbull Creek, where it was spotted and reported to 9-1-1. St Johns County Fire Rescue Engine 16 responded to the scene this morning to attempt to rescue the bird from its otherwise inaccessible location.
Firefighter Chris Naff, once protected in turn-out gear and heavy gloves, could then safely remove the owl from the tree and free it from the tangled line.
“The owl was safely transferred to the care of Animal Control,” Lt. Jeremy Robshaw reported. “As always, Special Operations can mean many things for First Responders and we try our best to always be prepared and ready for the challenge.”
Carelessness with human litter, especially on our beaches, riverways and many outdoor trails, can quickly become the deathtrap that kills another animal. Use designated trash receptacles, where provided, or collect your litter and take it with you to your next stop.
Assisting Naff were Firefighter Lance Robinson and Captain Marc Grabert, shown. Good job, well done. Photos contributed by St Johns County Fire Rescue.
One online commenter opined that if SHOAR'S SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT were involved, there would have been helicopters, tasers and flash bang grenades, rubber bullets launched at the crowd, an eight-hour standoff with the SWAT team in the Sheriff's armored personnel carrier.
SHOAR's Facebook page stated:
Sometimes it's not only Taking Care Of People, it’s Taking Care of our Feathered Friends.
Cpl Masters took a call for service on an owl that was in distress, being seen tangled up in fishing line and stuck in a tree. CPL Masters had the caller call in on 911 so we could better pin point the owls location. Deputies Delucca and Dobbs arrived on scene and after multiple attempts, they knew they were going to need assistance and St. Johns County Fire Rescue was requested.
Once approved by their battalion chief, they responded and assisted w/ the rescue of this beautiful bird. Awesome job by all.
Nice to have happy endings and even nicer when the units share photos to the dispatchers and they get to see firsthand the results of their efforts!!!!
BOTTOM LINE: We need honest law enforcement, not a lapdog -- an Inspector General here in St. Johns County, as in other counties, to investigate waste, fraud, abuse, misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, flummery, dupery and nincompoopery.
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