In a heartwarming and unusual rescue, firefighters in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, came to the aid of a 5-year-old boy who found himself stuck 35 feet high in a tree.
Malachi Eckerson had climbed the tree using a board he found in his father’s woodpile, excited to show his mother his daring feat. However, when he reached the top, he realized he was unable to climb back down. Though scared, Malachi perched on a branch, holding onto another for support, while his parents immediately called 911.
Firefighters arrived promptly and, using a ladder truck, safely rescued Malachi in just five minutes. Fire Chief Frank Barresi explained that they secured him with a rope and a belt to ensure his safety before carefully bringing him down.
Though Malachi was unharmed, his parents, Hayley and Nate, plan to keep a closer eye on him and make adjustments to their yard to prevent future tree-climbing adventures.
“We’re going to tell the story about Malachi climbing the tree for a very long time,” his father, Nate, said with a smile, reflecting on the memorable, if nerve-wracking, experience.
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