GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., -- Grand Rapids Police Officer Ryan Bruggink is earning major kudos online after rescuing a deer in distress. A clip of the officer rescuing the young button buck from the softball diamond at Plaster Creek Park is garnering hundreds of "likes" and making the rounds on Facebook.
Officer Bruggink, who's been a part of the department for about five months, responded to the scene Wednesday, along with his training officer, Officer Josh Mollan.
"Basically the deer kept running around, trying to get out and it was further injuring itself," Officer Bruggink told FOX 17 News. "We thought we'd give it a second chance."
Officer Bruggink chased the animal until it was tired enough to be captured by home plate.
"By home plate, I was able to get on top of the deer and kind of hold it down," he explained. "I just picked it up and carried it to the woods, where we let it go. It went freely and willingly."
It's not the first time a Grand Rapids officer has received extra attention following a special rescue. In August 2013, Officer Jeremy Huffman rescued a potbelly pig that was found wandering the streets of Eastown.Officer Huffman corralled the animal into his cruiser before eventually reuniting the pet pig with its owner.
Watch the video above to see Officer Bruggink in action rescuing the young deer.
