Crime & Safety

Cops Rescue Ducklings From E. Patchogue Storm Drain

Baby ducks also rescued from Holtsville storm drain in same 24-hour period.

Written by Matthew McGevna.

Two Suffolk County Police officers might want to consider becoming park rangers after the duo rescued two broods of ducklings in one 24-hour period, both from storm drains in Holtsville and East Patchogue. 

In a story reported by Newsday, Officers Lance Prager and Michael Coscia rescued the first hatch of ducklings in East Patchogue on Tuesday before getting a call about another hatch the following day on Morris Avenue in Holtsville.

In both instances passersby were alerted to the distressed ducklings by their quacking mother. 
According to the article ducklings getting lost in the storm drains while following behind their mother quite often this time of year. For the officers involved the rescue mission was a welcome respite from day to day operations. 

“Being a police officer, you have to deal with human tragedy on an almost daily basis,” he said. “When this happens, when you can get the ducklings back with their mothers, it’s really nice," Prager told Newsday.


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