RAPID CITY, S.D. – Teamwork took on a whole new meaning today after reports of a cat trapped inside a storm drain prompted a joint rescue effort by Rapid City emergency personnel.

Station 3 crews responded alongside Rapid City Police Department officers to help bring the frightened feline to safety.

The operation required some creative teamwork when a firefighter reached down into the drain. To ensure the rescuer did not follow the cat in, an officer stood by and literally held the firefighter up by his pants during the rescue attempt.

The cat was successfully retrieved from the infrastructure. A little muddy and a little wet, the cat is safely out of the drain thanks to the joint efforts.