GOWANDA — Gowanda Police Friday issued a statement on Facebook in regard to a false emergency call that came in Thursday night reportedly over two children falling off Memorial Bridge and into Cattaraugus Creek.

After emergency crews viewed surveillance cameras and interviewed the witness who called in the report, the search was called off. “The person who made the call stayed at scene, fully cooperated in the investigation,” Gowanda police reported this morning. “After using all information gathered, including immense knowledge from fire and police personnel, surveillance cameras, code red call and interview with witness search was called off. The person who made call is getting the best care needed and not losing two children in our community was the best ending that you could hope for,” added the police.

Gowanda police were grateful for the response considering what may have been a major emergency.

“First I would like to thank the first responders for their response to our community. The professionalism, dedication and over all concern they had shown was incredible,” the post indicated.

According to the department, those responding to scene included New York State Police road patrol and water rescue team, Erie county Sheriff’s including road patrol, aviation, water rescue, special services, K9, rapid response swat, detectives and command staff, Gowanda Fire with water rescue team, Sunset Bay Water rescue, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies, Disaster Coordinator Nick Crassi, Mayor David Smith and Gowanda Police officers.

“Again, thank you everybody including our wonderful community for offering any and all assistance,” the department noted. “Have a wonderful Easter holiday!”