ATHENS – Around 3:30 PM today, firefighters with Athens Fire & Rescue were traveling along US-31 near Roselawn when they spotted a commotion in the highway median. Fearing a medical emergency, the crew stopped to check. What they found was not what they expected.
Four tiny ducklings, darting between blades of grass, stuck in the median with traffic whizzing by on both sides. And a group of total strangers who had already stopped their cars and jumped in to help.
Stephanie Reynolds
“Our guys didn’t hesitate,” said Fire Chief James Hand. “When the community steps up, we step up with them. That’s Athens.”
Firefighters joined the impromptu rescue squad, forming a careful perimeter to corral the little escape artists. That is when backup arrived.
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Specialist Stephanie Reynolds, who happened to be nearby, saw the scene and immediately pulled over.
“I’ve been raising ducks since I moved to Athens,” Reynolds said. “Right now I have about 30 at home. When I saw those babies in the median, I knew I had to help. These four will fit right in with the family.”
With Reynolds coaching, the team safely secured all four ducklings. For her, it was familiar territory.
“This isn’t my first feathery rescue,” Reynolds laughed. “I’ve had a few daring saves near Big Spring Memorial Park by our office. Ducks have a way of finding trouble, and I guess I have a way of finding them.”
The ducklings are now safe and being cared for by Reynolds. No injuries were reported, human or feathered.
Chief Hand praised everyone involved. “That tells you everything you need to know about this community. We look out for each other.”
Media Release/Justin Travis/Communication Specialist City of Athens
