MURFREESBORO, TN - In a heartwarming twist on the usual emergency call, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) crews sprang into action Sunday morning—not for a human in distress, but for one of the city's youngest and most vulnerable wild residents.

Around dawn, Ladder 4 and Rescue 4 units responded to a call near the Stones River National Battlefield after a hotel guest reported hearing persistent cries from a nearby storm drain. When firefighters arrived on scene, they quickly discovered the source: a tiny, white-spotted fawn had fallen into the drain and was unable to climb out.

Using specialized equipment and the same careful coordination they bring to any rescue, the team gently lifted the frightened fawn to safety. A quick examination showed only minor scrapes, and after ensuring the animal could stand and move on its own, the crew released it into the nearby woods—close to where it had been found—in hopes its mother would return soon.

This unusual rescue is a poignant reminder of the wide range of situations MFRD crews face daily. From fighting fires to saving lives—both human and animal—firefighters continue to show their readiness and compassion in every call they answer.

Citizens are reminded that if they encounter wildlife in distress, the best action is to contact emergency services or animal professionals, rather than trying to help on their own.