Trapped Deer Rescued By Highland Park First Responders

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Rescuers from the Highland Park police and fire departments Sunday rescued a deer that had fallen in between rocks on Ravine Beach. After four local firefighters and a police officer carefully extricated the trapped deer and pulled it to safety, it rejoined its family waiting by nearby trees along the shoreline, according to city officials.

Highland Park Fire Department Chief Larry Amadei said a 911 call came in around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Residents reported hearing an animal making noises in the rocks and a police officer was dispatched to the scene to check it out.

After discovering the trapped deer, the fire department was called in for help, the chief said. Firefighters used a saw and ropes to lift the deer out of the hole.

Photos showed the firefighters helping the deer to safety from where it had been wedged between some rusted metal and rocks along the beach.

Paramedics John Brens, Matt Grasso, Kevin Lavazza and Justis Wilkins from the Highland Park Fire Department assisted Ginger Stokes of Highland Park police.

Amidei said the deer suffered some abrasions from injuring itself trying to escape.

"Once they got it out and were checking for injuries," Amidei said, "it took a few deep breaths and walked into the woods."