Estero Fire Fighters make a “warm and fuzzy” rescue near Coconut Point

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A fire fighter goes down into the storm drain to rescue the ducklings. Photo courtesy Susan M. Lindenmuth.

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Fellow fire fighters help the brazen paramedic rise from the drain. Photo courtesy Susan M. Lindenmuth.

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The ducklings are saved! Photo courtesy Susan M. Lindenmuth.

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And they're off with their mother again. Photo courtesy Susan M. Lindenmuth.

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For firefighters at Estero Fire Rescue, the phrase “all in a days work” has a broad meaning. Providing aid to the sick and injured, fighting fires, controlling emergencies and dealing with the unknown are regular parts of being a firefighters — providing assistance to anyone, and anything, in need.

On Thursday afternoon, firefighters from station 42 near Coconut Point Mall received a frantic call for assistance from a concerned resident. A homeowner in the Meadows community watched a mother duck moving her large brood from one pond to another by crossing a small street with a drain. One by one, the small ducklings fell through the holes of the drain and into the area below.

Lt. Terry Lindgren, FF Shaun Hagan and FF Dennis Goodlad met with the homeowner to rescue the ducklings. Using a large pry bar as a make-shift step, Lt. Lindgren lowered himself into the space and carefully scooped the sqawking ducklings out one by one. FF Hagan and FF Goodlad quickly checked them over and placed them in a box.

Firefighters along with the homeowner delivered the careful package to the nearby pond where mother duck was waiting along with the rest of her babies. Mother and ducklings are now reunited and back in their pond.

All in a days work.