OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Mike Zamborik, center, is congratulated after receiving a Commendation at the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting.

MAYVILLE – Mike Zamborik is an assistant fire chief with the Panama Fire Department. But it was his work at the Chautauqua County Airport in Jamestown that earned him the distinction of being named Firefighter of the Year by county leaders.

On Aug. 5, 2024, the Chautauqua County Airport Rescue Plan was activated following a report of a jet engine crash at the Jamestown airport involving an inbound aircraft experiencing an in-flight emergency. Zamborik is an airport rescue firefighter.

During the recent county legislature meeting, Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, noted that after witnessing the crash, Zamborik “immediately took decisive action,” activated the rescue plan by notifying dispatch, and proceeded directly to the crash site.

County Executive PJ Wendel shared that when Zamborik arrived, he discovered that the aircraft’s two occupants had self-extricated. “He provided the first on-scene report of fire conditions, requested critical additional resources, and began the initial fire suppression,” Wendel said.

According to Wendel, Zamborik’s timely response, situational awareness and effective communication were instrumental in coordinating firefighting operations. “Firefighter Zamborik’s swift and professional actions were pivotal in preventing further injuries, mitigating risk, and demonstrating the values that define true public service,” he said.

Wendel said Zamborik’s actions that day is why he has been named the 2024 Chautauqua County Firefighter of the Year.

Wendel, who is a volunteer firefighter himself, said this incident was the fifth plane crash that he has been involved in. He, along with many others, came rushing to the scene where Zamborik had been at work. “Both men, believe it or not, walked away from that incident. Both were transported to hospitals, one to ECMC (Erie County Medical Center) for a higher level of care, but again, it would have been a much different situation had Mike not been there and noticed what was happening,” Wendel said.