West NY News

The combined efforts of first responders, New York State Police, and the Chautauqua County Airports Maintenance Team proved crucial in saving a life during a severe winter storm last week. On November 29, 2024, these teams worked together to ensure a 64-year-old woman could reach Cleveland Clinic for a heart transplant despite treacherous weather conditions.

The patient and her husband were traveling from Rochester, NY, when they became stranded on State Route 5 in Portland. The woman's battery-powered heart pump added urgency to the situation as road conditions deteriorated. A nurse from Cleveland Clinic contacted the New York State Police for assistance.

Troopers used a Utility Task Vehicle to locate the couple and transported the patient to safety at the Portland Fire Department before moving her to Westfield Memorial Hospital. From there, she was taken to Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport (JHW). Despite the storm, the county’s maintenance team had cleared the runway for safe use. Centric Aviation provided essential ground support services to ensure TPX Aircraft Solutions Inc. could transport the patient swiftly to Cleveland Clinic, where she successfully received her heart transplant.

Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. praised the collaborative effort: “This extraordinary response underscores the importance of teamwork and preparation in our community." He emphasized that maintaining airports is not just about supporting general aviation but also about being prepared for emergencies.

Shannon A. Fischer, Manager of Airports for Chautauqua County, highlighted their role during emergencies: “Our team works year-round to keep Jamestown (JHW) & Dunkirk (DKK) Airports operational... We’re proud to have been part of this life-saving effort.”

The incident took place during a winter storm spanning from Thanksgiving until December 1, affecting travel and challenging first responders across Western New York.