Me-Wow! FDNY rescues Nico the Cat from East Village tree

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Yesterday afternoon, Second Street's FDNY Engine 28/Ladder 11 received a call that Nico the cat had escaped and was stuck high up in a tree outside his home at the Mariana Bracetti Plaza on Third Street near Avenue C.

Lt. Gallucci and firefighters Nick D'Amato, Jake Nier, Patrick Neh, Frank Dima and Gary Falco responded to the scene to carry out the rescue. 

Falco — met with cheers of "You got this, Gary!" — climbed the ladder, armed with a towel and endless patience.

After several tense minutes and a bit of feline negotiation (with loud meows), Nico was safely rescued and reunited with his relieved mom, who gave him some kitty treats and carried him home.

About 50 or 60 people stopped to watch the scene unfold. Hugs and applause followed — for both Nico and the cat-rescuing heroes of the FDNY.