Today was an incredible reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to help an animal in need.

This morning, Erie County Blotter was alerted to a cat stranded high in a tree in North Tonawanda. After finishing a few prior commitments, I made my way to the scene and reached out for help. As always, when an emergency involving an animal arises, we will do everything we can to help.

Our hero today answered that call. Tree Climber Tristan Lambright.

Despite not currently having a vehicle of his own, he made sure he got there. A special thank you to the amazing **@Jake Jablonski**, who generously paid to have him and all of his climbing equipment transported to the scene. Without that act of kindness, this rescue may not have been possible. Thankfully that’s how we roll, though. Helping each other with one mission.

We also want to recognize the North Tonawanda Fire Department for responding to the initial call. After evaluating the situation together, it was determined that the overhead high voltage power lines made the use of an aerial ladder unsafe and impractical. The decision was made to pursue an alternative rescue plan.

With the help of a wonderful neighbor who also has extensive experience rescuing cats, everyone worked together as one team. Equipment was prepared, a plan was put into action, and then… we all crossed our fingers.

The result?

**Success!**

This rescue now becomes the highest cat recovery we’ve been involved with, surpassing the previous approximately 80 foot rescue in Batavia.

Throughout the day, so many members of our community reached out offering assistance, equipment, encouragement, and even financial support. We are incredibly grateful for every single offer. However, no money was accepted. This rescue, like all of our emergency animal rescue efforts, was completed free of charge because helping animals and supporting our community is what we do.

Today wasn’t about one person. It was about neighbors, volunteers, animal lovers, and complete strangers coming together for one common goal: saving a life.

To everyone who helped, shared the post, offered support, or simply cheered us on…

**Thank you.**

Western New York proved once again that compassion is alive and well.

From all of us at Erie County Blotter, thank you for helping save yet another cat in a tree.