Terrance Patterson stopped by the Highland Park Fire Company on Saturday.
The crew heard the boy was in tears because his toy helicopter got stuck in a tree 50 feet above the ground.
The firefighters volunteered their own time and showed up with a truck and ladder to get it down.
"It was really exciting since it was up there for all night," said Terrance.
"When you can help a kid, especially right after Christmas, it's great," said Captain Bob Adams.
Not only did Terrance get his favorite toy back, he also got to be a firefighter for the day during a personal tour of the station.