Cat Rescue Tactics Under Review in Spencerport, NY

"We fell short of the professionalism our neighbors expect and deserve," Spencerport fire officials wrote in a statement.
Oct. 8, 2025

Calls for cats stuck in trees are commonplace in fire stations across the country.

But, the actions of Spencerport firefighters at a recent feline rescue has prompted an investigation as well as an apology from department officers.

"...Tactics were used to remove the cat that do not reflect the standards, values and mission of the Spencerport Fire District," officials wrote in a statement posted to the department's Facebook page.

"We fell short of the professionalism our neighbors expect and deserve...Our district remains committed to serving with compassion, respect and integrity in very call we respond to."

Officers said steps will be taken to make sure the actions never happen again. 

There has been no official word on the cat's condition after the incident.

About the Author

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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