Vulture rescued from chimney of Raleigh apartment building

With the help of an animal control officer, the Raleigh Fire Department on Tuesday rescued a vulture stuck at the top of a chimney.

Firefighters responded to the Cameron Court apartment complex on West Morgan Street.

A Raleigh firefighter and animal control officer worked together to rescue the vulture, which had a broken wing.

Bill Cresenzo, who lives nearby, was on his way to work when he saw the commotion and stopped to see the rescue in action.

The animal control officer, Officer Kostka, said the vulture had a hard landing, possibly caused by a gust a wind, and his wing was impaled on a pole.

Kostka said the vulture would be taken to a local emergency veterinarian and could be used for wildlife educational programs.

Kostka was recognized last year when he helped an injured bald eagle at the off ramp at Interstate 540 and Aviation Parkway. A man found the bird struggling to fly away and standing dangerously close to the edge of the road.

Kostka wrapped it in a towel and took it to a vet.