New Rescue Device Used to Save Man in Water | News

Buffalo, NY - In the early morning hours on Thursday, Buffalo Police rescued a man who was clinging to a wall at the foot of West Ferry Street. He was saved thanks to a new device officers are now required to carry in their patrol cars.

Wednesday morning Buffalo Police put "Lifeslings" in about 100 of their patrol cars. Mayor Byron Brown told 2 On Your Side the first rescue happened at 2:30  Thursday morning. 

"As you know we've got a growing water front. People are enjoying the water more than ever. We are always looking for ways to upgrade what we do in terms of providing resources for the safety of our residents, for the safety of our visitors," said Mayor Brown.

The "Lifesling" is attached to a 100 feet of rope. One officer quickly demonstrated how to use it by throwing it in the river to simulate a water rescue. Commissioner Dan Derrenda tells us as part of department policy the officer using the "Lifesling" must also wear a life jacket.

"That's because if he does get pulled in the water, we don't want one tragedy to compound another," said Derenda.

Police say the device comes with a 2-minute instructional video so officers did not require any real training. Besides saving lives, Derenda said the best thing is how they were paid for.

"It was purchased with seized drug assets. Asset forfeiture money so the drug dealers paid for this one," said the Commissioner.

This device which costs about $50 is not only available to police. In fact your can buy one at any store where boating supplies are sold. Within the next 10-days all Buffalo Police patrol cars will have one.