FLEMING ISLAND – Courtesy of PETA, awards are on their way to first responders and two local residents for their heroic rescue on Saturday, Oct. 8 of a bald eagle stuck in the grille of a car driving along U.S. 17 on Fleming Island.

When Billie West and her son Zachary Bombard saw the eagle dangling dangerously from an oncoming vehicle, they quickly stopped the driver and alerted authorities. Members of Clay County Fire Rescue Stations 18 and 22 rushed to the scene and cut the grille to free the terrified bird, who was then transported to the BEAKS wildlife sanctuary by West and Bombard to recover.

Clay County Fire Rescue Stations 18 and 22 will receive Compassionate Fire Department Awards, and West and Bombard will receive Compassionate Action Awards. PETA is sending each recipient a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies, and the firefighters will also receive a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating plant-based meals.

“The determination and compassion of these first responders and good Samaritans likely saved this eagle from a painful, terrifying death,” said Colleen O’Brien, PETA vice president. “PETA knows that their kind example will inspire others to be a hero for animals in need.”

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – offers tips for helping wildlife and reporting cruelty to animals on its website.