NEW LONDON, N.Y. -- A one-of-a-kind, handmade rescue sled was donated to the New London Volunteer Fire Department by local welder Eric Centro.

Centro said he came up with the idea to build rescue sleds and give them to local fire departments after a family member was injured in a snowmobiling accident and had to be carried out of the trails. 

Fire Chief Gene Carey said this piece of equipment will prove an enormous help in getting injured snowmobilers to safety. 

"This right here is just an awesome, awesome Christmas present for us. I'll tell you, this is going to save lives when we're out on those trails right there," said Carey.

"I like living in this area, I like the people in this area and my shop's been in this area for 30 years and this is just kind of my way to give back to my community, and I snowmobile through here. Hopefully I never need one, but you never know," said Centro. 

In years past, Centro has donated sleds to the volunteer fire departments in Taberg and Camden. Centro hopes departments will share the sleds with other nearby agencies.