Lebanon, Sanford firefighters rescue skydiver stuck in tree

Skydiver Rescued from Tree in Lebanon After 60‑Foot Lift

A skydiver who had become entangled in a tree near the Lebanon town line was safely lowered to the ground Thursday afternoon by a joint effort from the Sanford Fire Department and Lebanon Fire‑EMS. The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. when the Lebanon dispatch center received a call about a falling skydiver stuck in a limb.

Fire crews from Lebanon arrived on scene to find the parachutist hanging roughly 50 to 60 feet above the ground, still conscious and alert. Skydive New England, the company that had launched the jump, confirmed the identity of the jumper and reported that he was wearing his full parachute gear.

Because of the height and the need to reach the upper branches, the Sanford Fire Department supplied a tower ladder. The ladder was extended to place its bucket beneath the skydiver’s harness, after which the Sanford firefighters carefully lifted him out of the branches. Once the jumper was in the bucket, the equipment was disconnected and the ladder lowered, bringing the skydiver to the ground without incident.

Lebanon Fire‑EMS personnel transported the man to a nearby hospital where doctors treated minor injuries to his face and leg. He was released later that day.

“We’re pleased to see how strong our mutual‑aid relationships can keep people safe during unexpected events,” the Lebanon Fire‑EMS statement said. “Having access to specialized equipment and trained personnel allows us to manage unusual and technically challenging incidents safely and effectively.”

The rescue was praised by both departments for its coordination and the quick, professional response that kept the skydiver out of harm’s way.