Clearwater Police Rescue Feathered Friend

CLEARWATER, FL — A police officer’s oath to protect and serve isn’t meant just for humans. At least that’s the understanding of two Clearwater cops who flew into action on Sunday to rescue an injured cormorant near Pier 60.

The young bird appeared to have a fishing hook lodged in its throat, department spokesman Rob Shaw said.

Not willing to let the bird suffer, Officers Adam Wall and Tomislav Marjanovic captured the injured critter and brought it into protective custody, the agency reported on its Facebook page. The bird was taken to a local rescue facility for care, police reported.

It is unclear what type of cormorant the bird happens to be. The water-loving creatures are reportedly found on coastlines in most parts of the world.

Officers Wall and Marjanovic aren’t the only local law enforcers to have close encounters with critters as of late. Last week, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy found herself assisting in the capture of a roaming 9 ½-foot alligator in the Plant City area.

Photos courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department

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