Student praised for rescue; board hears about safety drills, eco-campus day and auditorium progress

The Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District recognized senior student William Rutland for his role in assisting with a December rescue that local responders described as critical to the outcome. Superintendent remarks included a short video excerpt from a media appearance and praise from local fire and county deputies included in the presentation.

William described his actions during the incident: “My first reaction was to try to get the man out of the car.” Local emergency responders said deputies and volunteers quickly entered cold water to free the occupant; deputies Kennedy and Burke were specifically credited with assisting the rescue. The district reported that William has also received recognition from local agencies and will be included in a Champions of Western New York program with a charitable award to the youth’s chosen charity.

The superintendent also reported that the district conducted active-shooter drills on March 7 at Colonial Village and Tuscarora with more than 30 law enforcement personnel participating. The drills tested new security protocols and provided law enforcement exposure to school layouts to aid response. The superintendent noted the district’s twelfth biannual Eco Campus project and a wellness fair/walk scheduled for April 26, and provided an update that large steel beams for the new auditorium are being installed, with major steel work expected to be finished in early April.

Board members thanked William and praised first responders and school staff involved in safety planning and construction progress. No formal board action was recorded on these items at the meeting.