Forest Ranger gives shout out to Allegany County fire & EMS

GRANGER - On August 25, a 52-year-old man and 51-year-old woman from North Tonawanda reported to 9-1-1 that they were lost after dark while walking through a friend's property in the Allegany County town of Granger. The 9-1-1 operator traced the location of the couple's call and told the pair to stay put. Within two hours, Forest Rangers located the pair and escorted the subjects back to their camp without injury or need of further assistance. This information was provided in a press release submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. However, Forest Ranger Justin Thaine told Wellsville Regional News he wasn't completely satisfied with the wording of the release. (He has mentioned this before)! Thaine points out that there weren't "Forest Rangers" involved, but rather a lone Forest Ranger - himself. More importantly Ranger Thaine  wanted acknowledgment for the volunteers who responded. Thaine said "I was assisted in locating the couple in the woods, and walking them back to safety by volunteers from the Short Tract Fire Department." The Ranger further noted that "Fillmore Ambulance was also on scene in case the couple or searchers needed treatment, and Nunda Fire Department was on standby at Short Tract’s hall." Thaine told us it is "important to recognize the volunteers for their assistance."