OSP trooper helps rescue 2 ducklings from Salem storm drain

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – To protect and serve and … rescue ducklings?

Oregon State Police said Monday on its official Twitter and Facebook accounts that one of its troopers helped pluck two ducklings from a Salem storm drain where they were stranded over the weekend.

Witnesses say a mother duck and her 10 ducklings were crossing the street when two of the babies were swept into the drain.

City workers removed several storm grates and a manhole cover Saturday so Senior Trooper Casey Hunter could reach the ducklings with a net.

The other eight ducklings successfully navigated the drain pipe and emerged in a nearby canal.

They were reunited with their mother and siblings and waddled away — apparently unharmed.