Rahway firefighters rescue deer from water tank

• A deer was found treading water in a tank at the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority property Thursday.
• The tank measures about 80 feet in diameter and about 9 feet deep.
• Rahway firefighters were able to use a harness and rope to rescue the deer.
• After getting a rest%2C the deer was released back into the woods.

RAHWAY – Who's been swimming in the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority's water tank?

A deer.

That's what authority employees learned Thursday, when they checked the property around 8 a.m. and spotted a deer treading water in one of the 80-foot-diameter tanks.

A deer, believed to be young buck, appeared to have slipped under the authority's 1050 E. Hazelwood Ave. security fence and landed in the water tank, where it was seen trying to stay afloat.

Battalion Fire Chief Michael Roberts said the deer was initially swimming in the 9-foot-deep inner tank, then made its way to an outer trough area.

It was from the outer trough where 12 firefighters were able to get a harness and rope around the deer and lift it out of the tank.

"It is an unusual rescue," Roberts said. "The guys did a great job."

James Meehan, Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority executive director, said the deer was exhausted from treading water. He said the firefighters let the deer lay down for a while and rubbed it to get the circulation back, before releasing it back into the woods.

Meehan said the tank contains waste water that has undergone three treatments and is ready to be discharged.

"It's very clean," he said.

Meehan said there six water tanks on the property and a 3-foot railing around the outside of the tanks. He said the deer might have gone between the railing to get into the tank.

He said the deer was initially treading in the middle of the tank but then worked it way over to the trough that is about 3 feet deep.

Workers have found a spot in the security fence around the entire property where deer may have dug underneath to eat grass. Meehan said workers are fixing the gap in the fencing.

"I was glad the little fellow didn't get hurt," said Meehan, who praised the firefighters for their careful efforts.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com