Special Operations Large Animal Rescue

December 15th 2002 -- Special Operations team members are accustomed to being called on to perform outside the fences of normal operations.  Many members are highly trained in Large Animal Rescue as well.  This specialized training was put to use recently when Engine 31 and Special Operations 31 were called to assist Sheriff's deputies in the case of "The Goat on the Lamb." 

Units were called to assist deputies who had the animal "detained" in a parking lot at a local post office.  Just as Engine 31 arrived, the "prisoner" escaped and darted across heavily traveled Lake Worth Road in an attempt to seek refuge in a local Salvation Army.  Traffic came to a halt as Special Ops 31 Driver Mark Carr and Firefighter Rich Nicoletta pursued the elusive animal.  In a short time, what could have turned out quite "baaaaadly," the goat was captured and placed into Sheriff's Office custody and returned to his cage.

Former Animal Control Officer, Special Operations Captain Steve (AKA Mom) Hobbs took command of the situation and assured that the goat was in good health prior to his reincarceration.

Story and pictures by Mark Carr