Officers rescue endangered peregrine falcon

[Donna]

An endangered peregrine falcon is back on her perch atop the Assurant building in Rapid City after police rescued the raptor early Wednesday morning.

Athena is one of 20 peregrine falcons housed on the roof of the building as part of a program to re-establish the falcon population in Rapid City. Athena had not yet taken her first flight, but sometime Tuesday, the bird blew off of the roof. An Assurant employee working late spotted her on the ground and called police.

Senior officer Richard Holt was patrolling the area with officer Dan Mertz, an officer in training, and together they rescued Athena and held her until raptor biologist Janie Fink arrived.

"As a police officer, I have been called upon to do many unique tasks," Holt said. "This was one of the most interesting. When I arrived, I recognized the bird as an incredible animal and one not commonly found in the Black Hills. Even though saving a raptor falls far outside our typical duties, I knew it was important for us to do our best in helping to save the bird. I am glad we were able to help, and this will always be a call I will remember.

[Donna]

A peregrine falcon was rescued by Rapid City Police after wind blew the endangered bird to the ground last week. Officers Richard Holt and Dan Mertz rescued the bird and held her until raptor biologist Janie Fink arrived.

The rescued bird - one of 20 that are part of a program to re-establish the falcon population in Rapid City - was returned to her perch on the roof of the Assurant building.

[MAK]