Bird owner rescued by Midway Fire ladder truck
JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News Joe@gulfbreezenews.com

Submitted photos Rescuers from Midway Fire District work to assist James Fuller to safety after the local resident got stuck high in a tree while retrieving an escaped parrot.

A bird that flew the coop wound up stranding his owner high and dry.

Midway Fire District personnel rescued James Fuller, 51, of Pins Lane on April 21 after Fuller daringly climbed approximately 30 feet up a pine tree to retrieve his escaped African Grey Parrot.

Fuller discovered the bird high in a tree in the vicinity of Calvary Chapel Church after having posted a $100 reward for the parrot's safe return. He and his family tried unsuccessfully to coax the stubborn bird to the ground.

Fuller climbed the tree and caught the parrot but was unable to get down. The family called Midway Fire District for assistance, and crews arrived within minutes.

The district's 100-foot ladder truck was used to reach Fuller and his bird. The high-angle rescue was completed within minutes.

"We've rescued cats and birds from trees before, but it's not an everyday occurrence," said Lt. Clayton Miller, spokesman for Midway Fire District.

"This was interesting because we got the call about a highangle rescue. While en route, we learned there was a guy stuck in a tree. We started thinking in terms of possible problems, like whether he might have had a heart attack or another emergency. We didn't learn about the bird situation until we arrived on scene.

"When we reached him, Fuller) was conscious, alert ... just fine. He was thankful we could get him down without letting go of his bird."

Ladder trucks typically are used for rescues from multistory buildings or other tall structures such as water towers or cell phone towers.