Firefighters Save Trapped Fawn, Reunite It With Mother in Oakley.735
It was a quiet evening in Oakley, the kind of night when most people had settled into their homes after a long day. But for Capt. Eric Uhlhorn and firefighter Martez Mitchell, the call that came in was anything but ordinary. Dispatchers reported that a young fawn had somehow become trapped in a storm drain along Ridge Road. The caller, a concerned neighbor, had spotted the small animal struggling and knew it wouldn’t survive the night without help.
When Capt. Uhlhorn and FF Mitchell arrived at the scene, they immediately understood the urgency. The drain was narrow and slick from the recent rainfall, its dark interior barely wide enough for the frightened creature. The fawn was huddled in the shadows, trembling and exhausted, its big eyes reflecting the beam of the firefighters’ flashlights. It had clearly been down there for hours, maybe longer, and any further delay could have been fatal.
Carefully, the two men assessed their options. Storm drains are not easy places to navigate, and they had to work cautiously to avoid injuring the animal. With calm voices, they moved closer, trying to reassure the fawn, though it was too terrified to respond. Martez Mitchell lowered himself partway into the drain, stretching as far as he could while Eric guided him from above. Inch by inch, they closed the distance.
At last, with a quick but gentle motion, Mitchell managed to secure the fawn and lift it toward safety. The animal struggled for a brief moment, but then stilled, as though realizing these hands meant no harm. Once above ground, the fawn wobbled unsteadily on its legs but was otherwise unharmed. Relief swept over the rescuers, and even the small crowd of onlookers that had gathered erupted in quiet cheers.
The real triumph came just minutes later, when the fawn’s mother appeared at the edge of a nearby field. She had likely been circling anxiously, waiting for her baby to return. The rescuers set the fawn down gently, and with a few uncertain steps, it bounded back toward the doe. The reunion was almost instantaneous—the mother lowering her head as the fawn pressed close, safe at last. It was a scene that needed no words, a reminder of why these rescues matter so much.
Later, the Oakley Fire Department shared the story on social media, along with a heartfelt thank-you to Capt. Uhlhorn and FF Mitchell for their quick response and steady hands. But even a rescue story can come with a twist. In the original post, the department mistakenly identified the firefighter in the photo as FF Figueroa. By the time they caught the error, the post had already been shared nearly 200 times. The correction came with good humor—an apology to Mitchell, a chuckle at their own expense, and plenty of praise for the entire team.
For the firefighters, it wasn’t about recognition. It was about doing what they do best: protecting their community, whether that means people or wildlife. For the little fawn and its mother, it was the gift of another day together. And for everyone who followed the story, it was a heartwarming reminder that compassion often shows itself in the smallest of rescues.
"Cole’s Compassion: A Brother’s Selfless Act of Kindness".494
Meet my brother, Cole. He's the kind of person who truly makes a difference in the lives of those around him, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. Cole works as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), spending his days helping the elderly, providing them with care and comfort when they need it most. His job requires compassion, patience, and a genuine love for people—and Cole brings all of that and more to his work every single day.
Just yesterday, something happened that reminded me just how amazing Cole is, not only as a healthcare worker but as a human being. He was out walking his dog, Bebe, in Washington, DC, enjoying a quiet afternoon. The sun was shining, and it seemed like any other ordinary day when suddenly, he came across an older woman who had fallen down some stairs. She was lying on the ground, visibly in pain, and it was clear she needed help.
Without hesitation, Cole rushed over to her, asking if she was okay and assessing the situation. It didn’t matter that he had places to be or things to do—what mattered was that someone needed him, and Cole was there, ready to step in and help. He carefully helped the woman up, supporting her as she slowly got to her feet. He noticed that her leg was swelling, so he helped her back into her apartment, making sure she was as comfortable as possible.
Once inside, Cole didn’t stop at just getting her settled. He immediately got to work, elevating her leg and getting her some medicine to ease the pain. He even put an ice pack on her ankle to reduce the swelling. But he didn’t just help with the physical care; he stayed with her, offering reassurance and comfort as she made a call to request an ambulance.
What struck me the most was how selfless and calm Cole remained throughout it all. He didn’t rush through the steps; he took his time, making sure the woman was comfortable and cared for, just like he does with all of his elderly patients at work. And once the ambulance arrived, Cole didn’t leave. He stayed by her side, making sure she was taken care of and offering support until the paramedics arrived.
But it didn’t end there. After everything settled down, Cole asked the woman for a spare key to her apartment, and she gladly gave it to him. Why? Because Cole offered to let her dog out while she was in the hospital, making sure the little furry friend would be well cared for during her absence. It was just another small but incredibly thoughtful gesture that showed how deeply Cole cares for others.
It’s moments like these that remind me of how heartwarming and genuine Cole’s kindness truly is. He didn’t have to help that woman. He could have walked on by, just as many people might have, but instead, he chose to make a difference. It wasn’t about recognition or a thank you—it was simply about doing the right thing, showing compassion, and offering help when it was needed the most.
I couldn’t be prouder of my brother. He’s not just a CNA who helps the elderly at work; he’s a man who lives his life with a heart full of empathy, kindness, and selflessness. The world needs more people like Cole—people who show up, who care, and who make the world a better place with every small act of kindness. His actions, though simple, prove that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.
