Joppa-Magnolia Firefighters Rescue, Nurture Baby Fox

Harford County volunteer firefighters take saving lives seriously, be they human or animal.

Joppa-Magnolia firefighters proved that philosophy Tuesday by going the extra mile for a small, injured fox.

Members of the fire company were dispatched to the 1700 block of Melwood Court in Edgewood at about 10 p.m., according to an email from a fire company spokesperson.

Firefighters found the small fox stuck at the bottom of a storm drain. Volunteers put on their protective firefighting suits and climbed down a ladder into the drain to rescue the fox, the email states.

Once out of the drain, firefighters put the baby fox down on the ground and noticed it walked with a limp because of an apparent leg injury.

Members of the fire company tried to reach Harford County Animal Control, Maryland Department of the Natural Resources and several local and regional veterinarians, but because of the time, some were closed and the offices that were open couldn't help, according to the fire company.

Because the fox was injured, firefighters brought it back to the station and went to the Internet for help, researching and posting questions on Facebook and Twitter.

"After an extensive online campaign, we made contact with an employee of the Chadwell Animal Hospital who provided us with critical information on caring for the animal," the email states.

A crew from the fire company dropped off the fox—which they named Pierce after their fire apparatus manufacturer—at the Abingdon animal hospital Wednesday.

Specialists will care for the fox until he can be taken to Phoenix Wildlife Center in Baltimore County, according to the fire company.

"We want to extend our thanks to those who offered to help or support us with our temporary visitor," company officials said in a release. "Lastly, this endeavor could would not have been a success without the assistance of the staff at the Chadwell Animal Hospital, who not only provided expert advice throughout the night, but are also taking care of Pierce until he can be transported to the proper facility."

Patch reporter Tyler Waldman contributed to this article.