“He’s one of the littlest Seminole County residents …”
A Race Against Time: Thunderstorm Sparks Urgent Rescue in Lake Mary, Florida
One July afternoon in Florida’s Lake Mary, a team of first responders faced a tense, life-threatening situation. As a severe thunderstorm approached, they heard faint cries from the depths of a storm drain. It soon became clear that someone small and important was trapped below, and the race was on to save them before the storm hit.
A Life on the Line: The Struggle to Beat the Rain
With the storm clouds looming, the team knew they had limited time to act before the heavy rainfall could flood the storm drain. Seminole County Animal Services (SCAS) and Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) collaborated to rescue the little one — a four-month-old kitten, as announced by SCAS on Facebook. First responders, including firefighter and paramedic Dave Gomez, were determined to save the kitten before the first raindrop fell.
Pivoting Plans: A Hands-On Approach
After several failed attempts using traps, the team knew they had to try something different. “[A]fter repeated attempts to capture via traps in the drain, SCFD firefighters went down the pipe themselves to lure the kitten out,” SCAS shared.
Gomez, using a ladder, descended into the storm drain, ready for a more direct approach. He tried coaxing the kitten out with cat food and a long pole, but the terrified kitten refused to move at first.
A Moment of Triumph: Kitten Rescued Just in Time
Gomez’s patience paid off. Slowly but surely, the tiny gray tabby kitten wiggled toward the opening of the pipe, where Gomez’s hands were ready to catch him. Seconds later, the kitten bolted toward the food but was swiftly secured by Gomez. The team celebrated as they loaded the kitten into the SCAS van, relieved that they had succeeded just in time. Within moments, rain began pouring down, flooding the storm drain they had just vacated.
“[T]he rescue came just in the nick of time with a downpour washing out the storm drain within the hour,” SCAS reported.
Safe and Sound: A New Chapter Begins
The kitten, now safely at SCAS headquarters, was immediately examined by the veterinary staff. Fortunately, he was in good health. After receiving a hearty meal, the kitten was given a name that honored his hero — Dave, after firefighter-paramedic Dave Gomez.
SCAS shared the story of Dave’s rescue on social media, hoping someone would come forward to adopt him. Only a week later, their hopes were realized.
A New Home for a Hero: Dave Becomes Apollo
“He didn’t spend much time with us at all after his post on our social media,” said Bree Burkett, SCAS’ program coordinator. Just eight days after his rescue, Dave was neutered and adopted by a new family who renamed him Apollo.
Apollo has since settled into his new home, enjoying the warmth and love of his forever family. Once trapped in a storm drain, he now watches thunderstorms from the safety of his cozy bed, content and happy in his new life.