SOUTHWICK – A Southwick Police officer responded to a report of an eagle in distress on Berkshire Avenue around 8 p.m. on Sunday evening.
Officer David Massai arrived on scene and confirmed that the animal was in fact injured and it was an American Bald Eagle. Sgt. Rhett Bannish then contacted the Massachusetts Environmental Police for help but didn’t receive a response. Southwick Animal Control Officer Tracy Root was then contacted and she informed the officers that she would have the animal rehabilitated if the officers captured it successfully.
The officers then used a large crate, gloves, and some blankets from the Southwick animal shelter and had a cruiser ready for the rescue. Reserve officer Robert Deluca then arrived to help the other officers. All of the officers were able to corner the Eagle and put it into a crate. The Eagle was then transported to the animal shelter where Root got in contact with a representative at Tufts University Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Grafton, Mass. Massai then brought the wounded Eagle to the veterinary emergency room at Tufts.
It was determined by the police officers that the Eagle was injured. (Photo from Southwick Police Department)
Officer Michael Westcott was also involved as he contacted Chief of Police Kevin Bishop to get permission about bringing the bird to Tufts.
“What really impressed me was that when I received the call from Westcott seeking permission to transport the bird to the hospital,” said Bishop, “I was told that if it was not possible to do on duty that he or any of the other officers were willing to take personal time to make it happen.”
Bishop went on to praise all of the officers involved in this incident.
“As the new police chief for this department, it really demonstrated to me the caliber of the officers I have that if they show this much compassion for an American Bald Eagle, I know they will have that same compassion with people they will assist in our community,” said Bishop.
Bishop was sworn in on Friday as the new Chief of Police. He previously served as the lieutenant on the force since 2013.
