Officer Marshall Steen of the Pearl Police Department is earning praise and plenty of smiles after stepping up to care for one of the city’s smallest residents — a baby opossum.
Known for his compassion for both animals and people, Officer Steen recently returned to his role with Pearl Animal Control and wasted no time jumping into action.
During a routine day, he discovered a very young opossum alone on the ground with no mother in sight. Believed to have fallen from his mother’s back, the tiny marsupial was just old enough to ride outside the pouch — and too young to survive on his own.
Showing a creative and caring touch, Officer Steen fashioned a temporary pouch using a soft foam glove, attaching it to his vest. The little opossum immediately took to the cozy setup, snuggling in for warmth and security.
Now under around-the-clock care, the opossum is thriving. Officer Steen is bottle-feeding him every three hours and ensuring he gets the nutrition and attention needed to grow.
Pearl Animal Control expressed gratitude for Officer Steen’s dedication and heart, saying,
“We are so glad to have Officer Marshall Steen back with animal control! His love for animals and the people of Pearl truly shines through in moments like this.”
The young opossum has a long way to go, but thanks to his Officer Steen, he’s in good hands.
