Back in 2018, following a nor’easter, Bert Porzio did something so great, he earned a “Special Edition” Unsung Hero award.
Five years later, he’s been nominated again. Art Schoeller writes:
What happens when you discover your cat 60 feet up in a tree, after he’s has been missing for cnearly two days?
My first inclination was to call the Westport Fire Department. They responded quickly, but said they could not get their equipment into a good position to do the rescue.
In researching “cat in tree” (thank you Google!), you’ll find that most fire departments do not even respond, prioritizing more demanding emergencies.
It was suggested I try a tree service. I called Tom Kashetta, who has done work for me in the past, but he was away. He recommended Bert Porzio.
Bert called right back, but said he could not leave his job site until 5 p.m. Kudos to Beth and Joe Berger who hosted me in their yard, including lunch, while observing Gandalf up in their tree.
As promised Bert came at 5. He scaled the tree, and almost got Gandalf. Halfway down the cat jumped off and went out on a very thin limb.
Bert Porzio goes — literally — out on a limb to save Gandalf.
Bert made the save. When I asked him what I owed him he said, “I did it for the sake for the cat. I have cats myself. I love them. You don’t owe me anything. Just find a way to pay it forward”.
Thanks, Bert!
Bert Porzio and Ganalf. (Photo/Art Schoeller)
PS: Gandalf is home, healthy, but with a slight gash under his eye that is healing. I’m pretty certain he had a run-in with a creature that scared him up the tree.
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