Stoneham Officer Helps Save Pilot's Life After Glider Crash

STONEHAM, MA — A veteran Stoneham police officer helped rescue a man whose ultralight glider plane crashed into Lake Winnipesaukee Sunday afternoon. Officer Joe Ponzo was vacationing with his family at the lake when he saw the crash around 3 p.m., Stoneham police said.

Ponzo called the New Hampshire State Police and rushed his boat over to the scene. He and other boaters worked to pull the pilot onto his boat. The man was conscious and alert when Ponzo brought him to shore and met with emergency responders.

The man was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

"Thankfully we were in the right place at the right time," Ponzo said. "The plane sank into the water right after the crash and the man was able to get himself out before we got there. He was in the water and a few other boaters came to help me get him into my boat."

Police Chief James McIntyre credited Ponzo with saving the man's life.

"Even off-duty on vacation with our families we are never truly off the job when duty calls," McIntyre said. "Officer Ponzo is a 23-year veteran of the Stoneham Police Department, and he was the right person to be there when this man needed help. We credit Joe with helping to save this man’s life and springing into action when he saw someone in need."