NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — It was an end of an era for the New York State Parks Police in Niagara Falls Friday.
Major Clyde Doty retired his post after serving more than 30 years with the department.
Major Doty was instrumental in helping to save lives at Niagara Falls. One notable rescue was caught on camera in November 2019 when first responders, including Major Doty, rescued a man who was spotted clinging to a log in the Niagara River just above Niagara Falls.
The 59-year-old man was in the water for nearly two hours before rescuers were able to reach him and bring him to shore. Officials say two Niagara Falls Firefighters went out to get the man, but he fought them and broke free, heading down the river again.
Major Doty was the right place at the right time and was able to grab the man before he went further down the river towards the falls.
Major Doty held on to the man and kept his head above water until until they could get safely to shore with the help of the Niagara Falls firefighters.
Doty received honors for that rescue.
The department gave Major Doty a send off with bagpipes as he and his family said goodbye and he signed off one last time with the department.
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