TOWN OF NEWBURGH – A bald eagle was rescued by first responders who found the national symbol on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh around 8:30 a.m. on Monday. The Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps EMTs noticed the bird on the roadway while returning from a hospital run.
EMTs Jessica Foster and Christopher Mancuso turned their ambulance around, returned to the bird, and contacted the Town of Newburgh police, who helped coordinate with a local animal hospital where the bird could be treated.
The bird, chosen by the Continental Congress to serve as the Great Seal of the United States on June 20, 1782, was loaded into the ambulance and transported to the Newburgh Veterinary Hospital for treatment.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was notified about the injured eagle for reporting purposes.
Ulster County EMS Council President Jeff Ashdown spoke with the EMTs later in their shift on Monday later in their shift, to recognize their unusual patient and the care they provided.
“While an injured bald eagle is certainly outside the scope of a typical EMS response, the initiative, resourcefulness, and cooperation demonstrated by this crew reflect the qualities that make our EMS providers such valuable members of the communities they serve,” Ashdown said.
While the two EMTs were dealing with the iconic bird, no other calls went unanswered in the district.
Both EMTs also serve with the Plattekill Fire Department, Mancuso serving as a past chief and Foster serving as the EMS captain. “We recognize the efforts both EMTs put in during such an unusual need for service,” Ashdown added. “From caring for our neighbors to lending a hand to our national symbol, service comes in many forms.”
The bald eagle has been recognized as the nation’s symbol for more than 200 years. In 2024, President Joe Biden officially declared it the national bird of the United States.
Comments