Deputy rescues 7 ducklings from storm drain and then helps them cross road
Deputy Joe Ballard gives the thumbs up as the reunited duck family crosses Jackson Avenue safely.
Courtesy of WCSO
Listen, we’re all going through some tough times right now.
Studies from the University of Michigan are calling everyone narcissists. The latest thunderstorm-derecho-tornado-apocalypse is heading our way. Our pets' heads are falling off.
Deputy Ballard holds one of the distressed ducklings rescued from a Scio Township storm drain.
Courtesy of WCSO
But, take comfort in knowing that one Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputy has reunited seven ducklings with their mother in a rescue of cutetastic proportions.
At 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, Deputy Joe Ballard saw the mother duck and her seven waddling babies trying to cross Jackson Avenue in Scio Township. Understandably frightened by the passing cars, all seven ducklings managed to fall into a storm drain, Sgt. Paul Cook said in an email.
“Their fate was sealed,” Cook said.
However, Ballard had other plans.
He worked for two hours to remove the storm drain cover, improvising recovery tools and lying in the roadway. With the help of the Scio Township Fire Department, Ballard eventually got all seven of the ducklings out of their watery grave and into the loving care of their mother.
It's the second recent duckling rescue. Last month, Ypsilanti firefighters rescued 10 ducklings from a similar fate.
One might argue that, after working for hours to rescue the ducklings, Ballard had done more than enough to help the feathered family. But, Cook said he couldn’t let them waddle off into an unknown future without a little more help.
“Never quite done with his work, Deputy Joe Ballard then escorted the ducklings and their mother across the Jackson Avenue boulevard and on their way,” Cook said. “Job well done.”
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
intellcity
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 4:01 a.m.
I wondered what was happening with all the flashing lights. I was imagining all kinds of goings-on in the middle of Jackson Road – illegal dumping, family pet, discarded weapon. I am happy it had a good outcome. Glad to see good stories also make the news.
mck
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Thanks Deputy Ballard for saving our Mallards!
jns131
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:08 a.m.
I was waiting for a pun like this. Thanks mck.
Sandra Samons
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Only one more example of this man's humanity. We are lucky to have him on our sheriff's department.
Elaine F. Owsley
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
Some of God's little creatures have a lot to be thankful for.
mady
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.
Joe, thanks so very much for reuniting these precious babies with their mama! you are indeed a saint!!
s2budd
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.
Joe was also Deputy of the year last year.. Helluva guy.
Solitude
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
Awesome story. Great to see some evidence that good humor is alive and well. That picture of the deputy and the duckling and the sewer grate should go on a magazine or a fundrasing brochure or something. Rescuing them from man-made hazards is the least we can do, right? After all, this was all theirs once...
joejoeblow
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.
Somehow I feel that natural selection was thwarted today.
AnnArborMom1
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
The pic of Deputy Ballard holding the duckling makes my day!
rosy12
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
So glad to hear these babies are back with their mama. Thanks so much for being so kind and saving them!!
djacks24
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
Ballard, Mallard... Coincidence....I think not. Good job.
Solitude
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Great post!
Bertha Venation
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
I drove by and saw the police car and fire truck and wondered what was up. I'm so glad it was something good! :) Thank you, Deputy Ballard!
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
Awesome example of humanity!!
leezee
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.
A few years ago I was in a back-up on Carpenter Road and when I got close enough I saw that it was due to a mama duck and her ducklings crossing the street. Traffic in the other direction did not see them coming and I could feel my face get hot knowing I was going to see them get squished. A few drivers, me included, jumped out of our cars to signal the traffic and help the ducks cross to safety. I do not recommend doing this - very dangerous, but they are so darn cute, I just couldn't help myself. Welcome to the club Deputy Ballard.
jns131
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:07 a.m.
I did this in a bus once. No comment.
jusayin
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.
Way to go, Joe!
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:59 p.m.
Well, this gets the AATA off the hook for the ice cream from Kroger's that melted before the No. 9 bus showed up.
jns131
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
Grouch. Someone spit in her bean curd. Or should I say ice cream.
mady
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
what exactly is your problem? ice cream can be replaced....
AA Neighbor
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:46 p.m.
Thanks, Deputy Ballard! You are our humane hero and a great example to kids and the rest of us!!
John
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
A man's character can be judged by the way he treats animals. Thank you Deputy Ballard!
jns131
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
I could not agree more. I am finding more and more ducklings trying to cross with mass broods. What is up with mass hatchlings I wonder.