MURFREESBORO, TN – The Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department (MFRD) added another heartwarming chapter to their service record over the past weekend. Firefighters with Ladder 4 rescued a small calico kitten from a storm water drain on Saturday (09/07/24), much to the relief of residents. The kitten was found approximately 10 feet underground, trapped in a maze of tunnels used to drain water from streets and parking lots.

Without hesitation, the local firefighters climbed into the drain and gently coaxed the frightened kitten out of the underground labyrinth. After the successful rescue, a local citizen quickly stepped forward to take the kitten into their care and offer it a safe home.

This recent heartwarming rescue reported on Saturday is just one example of the department’s commitment to helping all members of the community, even the furry ones. Last month alone, MFRD responded to 1,950 calls, with 129 categorized as “Service Calls”—a category that covers everything from assisting police to animal rescues like this one.

In August, MFRD firefighters responded to a house fire in the 900 block of Greenhill Street, arriving just in time to find smoke billowing from the home. After swiftly exiting their trucks, the firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and extinguished the fire. While the homeowners were safely outside, their two furry felines were still trapped inside. Demonstrating their dedication to saving all lives on the property, the firefighters successfully rescued both cats from the burning home. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among either the residents or their pets (See news story HERE). Efforts of the fire crews in Murfreesboro and firefighters that are part of the Rutherford County Fire & Rescue Department, continue to go above and beyond daily.

The rescued kitten, a calico, adds a touch of folklore to the story. Known as “Lucky Cats,” calicoes are almost always female, and according to German tradition, they are said to bring good fortune to those who find them. The German word for calico, "Glückskatze," translates to "Lucky Cat," making this rescue a little extra special for the firefighters and the kitten’s new owner alike. Another nickname for calico’s in America is “The Money Cat,” which is part of an old wives tale that suggests these cats bring their owner good fortune.