Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi today joined with his colleagues in government, Erie County Legislator Mike Kooshoian, Assemblymember Bill Conrad and Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger to honor Jay Withey, aka “Merry Christmas, Jay” – a 27-year-old mechanic from the Town of Tonawanda, who stepped forward during the Blizzard of 2022 a to help save the lives of 24 people who were stranded outside, including seven elderly people who were stranded in their cars, and brought them to safety at the Pine Hill School.
Withey’s truck became stranded on Christmas Eve. He attempted to stay in his truck, but eventually had to seek shelter. In doing so, he found shelter in the Pine Hill Primary Center and brought in 24 others who were also stranded. After getting everyone into the building, he was able to then help them access the kitchen in the cafeteria to make sure everyone was able to eat, and found suitable places for everyone to sleep during the nights stranded there. Once the weather cleared, Whitey used the school’s snow blower to clear the vehicles that were stuck, relocated them to the school’s parking lot, and then assisted in clearing the road for the plows. One of the many notes he left said:
“To whomever it may concern, I’m terribly sorry about
breaking the school window and fore breaking in the
kitchen. I had to do it to save everyone and get them
shelter and food and a bathroom. Merry Christmas Jay.”
“Jay Withey’s story has been told, but I don’t believe that it has been told in full detail. His actions ensured that people did not die in their vehicles, that they were not stranded outside, that they had shelter and food, and that they were able to make it home to their family. Two dozen people, if not more, lived through one of the most horrific blizzards that our community has seen thanks to Jay and I cannot commend him enough. I am glad to have Jay as a resident of my district, he is the type of man who demonstrates why our community can still be known as ‘The City of Good Neighbors.’ And because of that, I am proud to join with my fellow elected officials in the Town of Tonawanda to recognize him. He is a true hero.”
“I was proud to recognize Tonawanda resident Jay Withey,” said Erie County Legislator Mike Kooshoian. “In the midst of critical emergency, his incredible composure and quick thinking saved the lives of dozens of our fellow community members. 2022 was a challenging year in Western New York, but Jay Withey is a hero that we can all look to for inspiration.”
“’Hero’ may be an overused term, but in Jay Withey’s case it’s aptly applied,” said New York State Assemblymember Bill Conrad. “He showed great courage, compassion and leadership during the blizzard, which forced him to break into a school where he found refuge for himself and other stranded motorists and residents, undoubtedly saving their lives. He’d been turned away at people’s doors – but that didn’t deter him from persevering to be of service to others. It was an honor today to join the Erie County Legislature, Tonawanda Town Supervisor Joe Emminger and Rep. Brian Higgins in recognizing his actions and to present the Kenmore resident – a former student of mine! – with an Assembly citation on behalf of our grateful community.”
Said Town of Tonawanda Town Supervisor Joe Emminger, “The unselfish, heroic actions taken by Jay Withey on December 23rd have been well documented in the press, both locally and nationally, so I will only add that we need more Jay Withey’s in the world. Someone who not only looks out for his fellow community members, but also someone who is caring and compassionate, In the future, all of us need to challenge ourselves to be, “Not like Mike” but rather ‘Be like Jay’!”
Withey was recognized at the beginning of Thursday’s session at the Erie County Legislature. In addition to the proclamations honoring his heroism, Mr. Withey received a flag that had flown over the United States Capitol by Congressman Brian Higgins.
