First responders rescued a male who fell into an icy pond in the Town of Portland Saturday afternoon. According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, the county's Water Emergency Team was called to assist the Brocton and Portland fire departments behind a property at the Grapevine Estates on Route 5 at about 12:15 PM. The initial call was for two people who had fallen through the ice, but WDOE News has learned that one of the victims was able to get out before crews arrived. The Sheriff's Office says a member of the WET Team -- later revealed to be Fredonia Fire Captain Dan Aldrich -- was able to make it to the other victim and secure him in a life ring. Firefighters, civilian bystanders and deputies were then able to pull the man back to shore. He was then treated by EMS personnel for exposure and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Sheriff's Office says the incident serves as a reminder that ice conditions can change rapidly at this time of year, and anyone who ventures out onto the ice should wear a personal flotation device and check ice conditions.
Photo from the Fredonia Fire Department's Facebook page
