The rescue unfolded outside the Morristown United Methodist Church in Morristown, New Jersey.
The workers became stuck in the crane just after 2:00 p.m.
Another crane was raised, but could not reach them.
A third crane was then raised, but it also came up about ten feet short.
A state police helicopter arrived on the scene around 3:45 p.m.
According to officials, they were going to attempt to rescue the men by hoisting them from the crane.
