Onondaga County Air 1 CREW RESCUES STRUGGLING DOG FROM SENECA RIVER

3-24-2026
Onondaga County Air 1 CREW RESCUES STRUGGLING DOG FROM SENECA RIVER
Baldwinsville NY.
Yesterday at 6:09 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a call regarding a dog observed swimming in the middle of the Seneca River. The Air1 helicopter crew, who were conducting a patrol flight at the time, responded immediately and arrived on the scene approximately one minute later.
Upon arrival, the aircrew observed a Goldendoodle struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the river. Due to the dog’s deteriorating condition, the crew made the critical decision to perform a skid rescue.
An Air1 flight crew member conducted a skid walk to the rear of the helicopter, safely secured himself to the aircraft, and directed the pilot toward the animal. At approximately 6:15 p.m., the crew member successfully pulled the dog from the river and into the helicopter. The dog appeared to be extremely cold and was shivering continuously.
The flight crew transported the dog to the ball fields on Downer Street Road, where personnel from the Baldwinsville Fire Department were standing by with blankets to provide immediate warmth and care.
During the initial emergency call, the complainant advised 911 of their intention to jump into the river to rescue the dog. Emergency dispatchers correctly advised the individual not to enter the water, preventing a potentially dangerous situation for a civilian.
Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley commended the exceptional teamwork, quick decision-making, and professionalism of the 911 dispatchers, the Air1 flight crew, and the Baldwinsville Fire Department firefighters.
Sheriff Toby Shelley, ” Here is just another reason Air 1 is a valuable tool for the county. Our well-trained crew took one minute to respond and six minutes to complete the rescue. Excellent work by our deputies and all those involved.”