A worker was stranded on a light pole high above Veterans Memorial Stadium Thursday while waiting for firefighters to help him down.

“He was about 140 to 150 feet up in the air,” said Michael Stephens, Troy Fire Chief.

The contractor “became distressed while ascending a stadium light pole to change lights” according to Troy University officials.

The fire crew brought the ladder truck to reach the man, but the ladder is only 75 feet tall, leaving a significant gap between the man and firefighters. The crew was able to harness the man to help him safely descent to the ladder.

“This is the first rescue like this that I am aware of that high up,” Stephens said. “But we have guys trained in high-angle rescue and we were able to actually hook up this individual to assist him down off the pole. Once we got up to him, we were able to help him get to the top of our ladder and get him on down from there using our rope rescue equipment. The emergency ended when we made contact with him.”

Stephens said firefighters talked the man through the long descent to the ladder to guide him. With the help of the firefighters, the man was able to be helped to the ground.

“It was a very good outcome,” Stephens said. “I’m sure it was a frightening moment.”

Herb Reeves, dean of student services, commended the first responders on their response to the situation.

“This was an incident that clearly demonstrates how well-prepared our emergency personnel are to deal with challenging situations,” he said. “I would like to thank the fire department and the police department for their professionalism and dedication to the safety and welfare of all who live, work and visit our campus.”