Officer Risks Toxic Gas to Effect Rescue—of a Skunk

Police officers are often called upon to perform perilous duties—danger is part of the job.

Care and caution is also. That’s why Officer Derrick Hight from Aurora, Illinois, started out peacefully and cautiously when trying to resolve a tense situation in an Aurora laundromat.

Officer Hight got the alert around 5:20 a.m. on Sept. 11 that help was needed, and without hesitating, Officer Hight answered the call.

The third-shift patrol officer was summoned to provide assistance, but he knew the situation could turn sour in an instant.

That is why he extended his metal baton before approaching the subject slowly.

After all, no officer wants to get shot by a skunk in the line of duty.

Somehow this skunk had gotten a paper cup stuck on its head—maybe it was reaching in for a last few drops of soda, or needed a little more coffee.

Officer Hight knew that the skunk couldn’t see him, but the animal most certainly knew he was there. In its agitated state, the skunk most likely felt threatened and may have attacked Hight.

Officer Hight got as close as he could to the frightened creature, tapping it with his baton to try to keep it from hiding under nearby parked cars. When at last he was able to get within arm’s length, Officer Hight bravely grabbed the cup off the skunk.

The cup was stuck on pretty well. Officer Hight had to lift the skunk completely off the ground and shake a few times before the animal’s head popped free.

Once free, the skunk scuttled off without a backwards glance. Officer Hight also didn’t wait around—he hustled out of range as quickly as he could. He was grateful not to get gassed for his efforts.

The Aurora police department posted video of the daring rescue on its Facebook page.  On the site, Hight’s fellow officers assure the public that he disposed of the cup properly once the skunk had left the building.

The post got dozens of comments on Facebook.

Michael Frederiksen said, “Thank you! You may have very well saved this poor skunk’s life.”

Kyle Christian posted, “That is bravery in the face of danger, no doubt.”

Laura Moser had the most cogent response: “Ahhh, yes….APD, coming to the aid of even the stinkiest in need of rescue!!”

From NTD.tv

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