WVFD Incident – Search and Rescue
From the WVFD,
This evening (5/8/26) around 6:20 PM, the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for search and rescue efforts for a missing child
Crews responded and assisted alongside multiple departments ( New York State Police, Independence Emergency Squad, Inc, Wellsville Technical Rescue Team, Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, Allegany County Office of Emergency Management, Allegany County Search and Rescue team, Independence Police Department, NYSP aviation Unit.)
The child has been found and all units have returned to service
Responding Units:
W50 Todd Sherman
W502 Greg Howe
W1 – Denny Erdmann
W2 – Jamie Lewis
W6 – AJ Kuhn
15 additional members
Social media rejoiced and hailed the first responders as the heroes they are!!
Cody Saxton said:
You guys don’t get enough recognition! The town and surrounding communities are very lucky to have a fire department that will go above and beyond for friends, family, and anyone else in need! Good job! 
Laura Johnston was thrilled:
Thank God for a happy ending!!! Thank you everyone who always show up when the community needs them!!
Mary Willetts thanked God:
Great job. Thank you for all you do.. Thank God the child is home
