Erie County Legislator John J. Mills, joined by his colleagues in the Legislature and Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard, honored Orchard Park resident Joe DeMarco, founder of Wings Flights of Hope, at the July 24, 2014 session.

DeMarco received a proclamation in recognition of his dedication to helping patients and their families who need to travel for medical care. DeMarco, who is a pilot himself, founded Wings Flights of Hope, which consists of volunteers who donate their time and airplanes to help patients travel to medical facilities outside of the area.

Having completed more than 1,165 missions to help numerous patients, DeMarco’s passion for helping others has been noticed. This past May, he was honored in Los Angeles with the Endeavor Award.

DeMarco founded Wings Flights of Hope in 2010. He flies a mission almost daily and his wife, Diane, is the Mission Coordinator. Together with his son, Joe DeMarco, Jr. and 17 other volunteer pilots, they are on call 24/7 for passengers in need.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Joe and Wings Flights of Hope. He and his family, along with all the volunteers, go above and beyond every day to help a neighbor in need. Many thanks to Joe for everything he does and I wish him all the best in his future missions,” said Legislator Mills.

For information, please contact Legislator Mills’ Legislative Office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.