Verizon worker rescues cat stranded on telephone pole, gets suspended for 'putting lives in jeopardy'
A worker from the American wireless telecommunications company Verizon was allegedly suspended after he used work equipment to rescue a cat which was stranded on top a telephone pole, according to reports.
The worker, identified as Maurice German, was working in a neighborhood in Port Richmond, Pennsylvania last Saturday when a resident asked him to help rescue a cat named "Momma." The cat had reportedly been stuck on top of the pole for nearly 12 hours, according to CBS Philly.
German came to the cat's rescue by using a boom lift to reach the cat as residents filmed the entire incident and applauded him for his kind act. He safely returned the unharmed cat to its owner.
However, to German's shock, Verizon suspended him for 15 days, saying that the firm's equipment and vehicles were not intended to be used in the area where he operated. A spokesperson for the company Rich Young, while speaking to CBS Philly said: "We take no joy in this job action."
"However, we’re committed and responsible for keeping our employees and customers safe while working in a particular area," Young said. The firm said that its field technicians are obliged to participate in safety training exercise with the intention of keeping its customers and workers safe.
"Unfortunately, while this employee’s goal was admirable, he potentially put his life and those around him in jeopardy," the spokesperson said. "While our actions may not be popular, it’s in the best interest of our employees and the communities we serve."
Young also said that Verizon is making a donation to the Pennsylvania SPCA in Fishton to support the charity's animal rescue efforts.
One of the residents of Port Richmond, Amanda Boyce, told CBS that one of her neighbors attempted to rescue the cat from 12.30 am to 1.30 am on Saturday morning, however, it was to no avail.
Reports state that the cat's owner had called animal rescue, fire department and the telephone company to have their pet rescued. However, another resident found German in the area and asked for his assistance.
When Verizon suspended German for his act, the move sparked outrage in the local community. The residents reportedly set up two GoFundMe pages to raise enough amount to match German's salary for 15 working days.
One of the accounts was set up by his colleague Keith Morales, who in the description wrote: "The $4,650 goal is the equivalent of the 15 days (3 weeks) pay that Maurice will forgo for simply being a human being looking to help one of our four legged friends. Thank you in advance for your donation, and please remember that no donation is too small."
His page has raised $4,745 of $4,650 goal and the other page set up by Boyce has raised $3,240 of $2,400 goal within a day.