Photo by Dan Kohler

The Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team was dispatched to assist the Portland and Brocton Fire Departments with a male who had fallen through ice on a pond located behind the Grapevine Estates property at 6037 Route 5 in Portland. The call came in around 12:18 p.m. Saturday. A member of the Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team was able to make it to the male and secure him in a life ring. Members of the department, civilian bystanders, and deputies were then able to pull the man back to shore where he was treated for exposure by EMS personnel, and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that this time of year ice conditions can change rapidly. If residents do venture out on to the ice, please wear a personal floatation device and check ice conditions as you go.