Escambia County Animal Welfare rescued a kitten named “Pipes” from a drainage pipe near the Escambia Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
DETAILS: Master Deputy Liddell heard the kitten’s cries and called Animal Welfare. Lead Officer Sgt. Merideth Roberson responded using innovative rescue techniques, including playing mother cat sounds to locate the kitten.
When traps failed, Sgt. Roberson crawled approximately 50 yards through the drainage pipe, ultimately catching the kitten after it became trapped at the tunnel’s end. The rescue was a collaborative effort involving Sheriff’s Office deputies who provided a ladder and communication support.
- “I was a little scared crawling down in there,” said Sgt. Roberson. “I’m just super thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to do things like this and that I’ve received training to do my job the best that I can do.”
HAPPY ENDING: The kitten, slightly underweight but otherwise healthy, was examined by a veterinarian and is expected to be available for adoption soon. Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson praised Sgt. Roberson’s dedication and the team’s commitment to animal welfare.
“I’m so proud of our team for constantly going above and beyond to care for animals in our community, whether helping them find forever homes or performing rescues like this,” Robinson said. “Sgt. Roberson did not hesitate to jump into action, putting her comfort aside to help this distressed kitten. Through her actions and help from the Sheriff’s Office, Pipes the kitten now has a chance to find a loving family to care for him.”
MOTHER, SON SAVED FROM SUBMERGED VEHICLE
On Nov. 3, in Navarre, Florida, a car crashed into a retention pond, trapping a mother and her young son. Military personnel and civilians quickly responded to the emergency:
1st Lt. Christian Munoz jumped into the water, helping extract the unconscious boy and performing CPR. Senior Airman Kyle Hiday and his wife Madison joined the rescue efforts, assisting with CPR and keeping the victims calm. After several tense minutes, the boy began breathing, and the mother regained consciousness. Their lives were saved through the combined efforts of the rescuers.
DIG DEEPER: The incident highlighted the community’s ability to come together in a critical moment, transforming a potentially tragic accident into a successful rescue.
“This incredible act of courage and quick thinking exemplifies the Air Commando mindset–dedication, professionalism, and selflessness both on and off duty,” said Col. Patrick Dierig, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. “At Hurlburt Field, we cultivate a culture where readiness is not just about mission execution but also about stepping up when our community needs us. These actions underscore the values of our Airmen and their families, who embody what it means to put ‘Mission First’ no matter the circumstances.”
As Dierig praised the selfless actions of the Airmen and civilians, Col. Patrick Wnetrzak, commander of the 492nd SOW, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Munoz’s exceptional bravery and embodiment of the unit’s legacy.
“Munoz is the living embodiment of the 492nd SOW Carpetbagger legacy—a legacy of fearless determination to execute the mission, no matter the cost,” said Wnetrzak. “When the call to act came, he answered with unwavering resolve, proving that when lives hang in the balance, the men and women of the 492nd stand ready to act.”
The Holley Navarre Fire Department held a recognition ceremony to honor the rescuers’ life-saving efforts. Thanks to their quick thinking and selflessness, what began as a potentially tragic accident ended with lives saved and a community coming together to save their own.
