Firefighters helped save a 30-year-old mare found motionless near a creek – an example of how the department’s members connect, serve, and make a difference for humans and animals alike.

Milton Fire’s TLAER (Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue) crew arrived at the Painted Horse Winery and Vineyards the morning of Wednesday, February 18, to find the horse, named Misty, on a wet creek bank. The mare had apparently fallen down after rain turned the ground into a slippery mess. 

One of the responding firefighters with A-Shift, Vincent Rosenberger, had a special connection with Misty. He took his first equestrian lessons with her as a child. Reunited, he stayed by her side gently holding her head and whispering comforting words to her while everyone waited for a vet to arrive with calming medication.

With patience, care, a slide transfer, and steady hands, the TLAER team got Misty to higher, more stable ground. Once there, they gave her food and water and helped her up. Before long, she was able to stand on her own. Vincent didn’t leave Misty’s side until she slowly walked back to the farm to reunite with her 17-year-old son, Rodeo. 

Throughout this, the crew had their A‑structure set up - specialized gear for large‑animal rescues – in case it could be helpful. Fortunately they didn’t have to use it this time. 

Thankfully, Misty’s vitals appeared good and her prognosis promising after her rescue. We all wish her a continued smooth and speedy recovery.