On this Memorial Day, the nation remembers those who sacrificed their lives in protecting our country. It's also a time of year to honor law enforcement officers who put themselves in peril to save lives. Several ceremonies doing so were held earlier this month.
At its last session before the holiday weekend began, the Erie County Legislature paid tribute to a retired sheriff's captain who made his mark as our "eye in the sky."
County legislators honored Captain Kevin Caffery for his heroism and bravery over a 45 year career with the County Sheriff's Department. Caffery spent more than 30 years piloting the Sheriff's Air One helicopter. He retired in February. Caffery said his air craft provided a much needed service to a number of local law enforcement agencies.
"We're the only one in the area with equipment to do a hoist rescue," Caffery said. "We go all over Western New York doing that. We have a great aircraft and a great crew."
Caffery rescued fishermen trapped on lake ice, hikers lost in Zoar Valley and people on the verge of being swept over Niagara Falls.
He said he plans to return on a part-time basis to fly and offer training