The first animal rescue of 2026 took place Thursday morning when members of the Hillcrest Fire Company and the Ramapo Police Department responded to a call for a cat stuck high in a tree.
After determining the cat was unable to get down on its own, Hillcrest firefighters deployed a ladder truck to reach the animal. The rescue was completed safely, and the cat was returned unharmed to its relieved owner.
Officials praised the quick response and teamwork between fire and police personnel, marking a successful start to the new year for local emergency responders.
