Verona police rescue trapped ducklings

When 10 ducklings needed them, the Verona police and public works departments were there. 

The Verona responders rescued the baby ducks after they fell through a storm drain and were separated from their mother on Wednesday, May 31, at The Highlands, a Hilltop apartment complex. 

About 5 p.m. someone noticed a mother duck in hysterics near the storm drain. Upon alerting the police they found the babies trapped underneath after they fell through the holes in the grate. 

“Mama duck walked over it,” DPW Supervisor Chuck Molinaro said, “The baby ducks came behind her and they fit through the holes, so they fell in one after another.”

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Molinaro and his crew opened the grate and Police Sgt. John Lecreux climbed in to pull out the ducks. Officer Alyssa Kirby assisted with Lecreux. 

Once the ducklings were freed, they lined back up behind their mother and were on their way. 

“We’re very conscious of animal issues and the environment,” Police Capt. Stephen DePoe said.

Molinaro said it’s not common for them to be called for animal rescue, but it happens. He recalled freeing a cat from a storm drain about five years ago and, another time, they let out a raccoon. 

“It feels nice,” Molinaro said of helping animals. “Especially when they’re all good and none are hurt, it’s a good feeling.”

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com