Gadsden Fire Rescues Marine Stuck in Tree
GADSDEN-Everyone is aware of the running joke about firefighters being called to get a cat out of a tree. Sometimes though, it isn’t a cat. It may just be a paratrooper.
A Marine paratrooper was safely rescued Monday after becoming trapped in a tree during a training jump at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport in Gadsden.
The Gadsden Fire Department “B” Shift responded to the airport following reports of a Marine paratrooper who had missed the designated landing zone and become hung up in a tree during the exercise. Military personnel regularly conduct training operations at the airport throughout the year.
Responding Gadsden Fire units included Quint 4, Rescue 1, Rescue 2, Battalion 2, Medic 1, Fire Marshal 1, Fire Marshal 2, and Training Officer 1. Assisting agencies included Rainbow City Fire Department, Rainbow City Police Department, and Advantage EMS Ambulance 1.
Upon arrival, firefighters located the paratrooper suspended in the tree and quickly developed a rescue plan. Using the aerial capabilities of Quint 4 along with technical rescue techniques, crews were able to safely bring the Marine to the ground.
The paratrooper was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel. No additional information regarding injuries was released.
The Gadsden Fire Department praised the teamwork and professionalism displayed by all responding agencies during the successful rescue operation.
