LITTLE VALLEY — On February 11, Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works employee and CSEA member Adam Chudy was out on his snowplow route when he noticed something unusual.
A 71-year-old resident he often saw outside shoveling during snowstorms was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, Chudy noticed smoke coming from the man’s home.
Chudy immediately pulled over and began banging on the windows to alert the resident. He also called in the emergency.
His quick response helped get the resident safely out of the home before the situation worsened.
For his actions, Chudy was recognized by the Cattaraugus County Legislature.
Chudy was joined at the recognition by CSEA Cattaraugus County General Unit President Sheri Ambuske, General Unit Representative Chris Conkey, Cattaraugus County Local Vice President Adrian “Buzz” Phearsdorf, Cattaraugus County DPW Commissioner Michael Pirnio, and Cattaraugus County Legislature Chairman M. Andrew Burr.
CSEA leaders praised Chudy’s actions as an example of the dedication public employees bring to their communities every day.
His actions highlight the important roles CSEA members play not only in maintaining services like snow removal, but also in looking out for the residents they serve.
— Sara McNicholas