Tena G. Anderson
Fire Captain
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
7/26/2004
Special Act Award (Gold)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Battalion Chief Joseph W. Waterman, Fire Captain Tena G. Anderson and Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) Fredrick Westrip performed an act of heroism at risk to their own personal safety during the Straylor Fire in Butte County when they aided in the successful rescue and evacuation of three individuals from a downed Jet Ranger helicopter.
On July 26, 2004, the helicopter was surveying the area to provide spot fire reports. The helicopter crashed in an area threatened by a rapidly growing spot fire. The fire continued to grow steadily as it neared the downed craft with occupants trapped inside. Upon reaching the downed helicopter, which had crashed in a steep terrain and brush area, Battalion Chief Waterman instructed and assisted additional firefighters on the scene to fall trees in the clearing to create a landing zone for a helicopter rescue. As they worked, reports came in on his radio that fire jumped the line and was approximately 1,000 feet below their position.
Three individuals from the helicopter required immediate medical assistance. Two individuals suffered broken backs and one individual broke their leg and sternum.
Fire Captain Anderson provided medical attention to the injured and emotional support to other firefighters in the area that had not witnessed such an incident. HFEO Westrip witnessed the crash, parked his vehicle, and made his way up the steep slope to the crash site. He administered first aid to the injured. As the fire continued to get closer to the helicopter and personnel, Battalion Chief Waterman, Fire Captain Anderson and HFEO Westrip coordinated and participated in the extraction, stabilized medical treatment and care to the three injured individuals trapped in the downed helicopter and assisted in the evacuation of some 50 rescuers. The fire below them gained intensity and eventually completely burned over the entire site where the helicopter had crashed.
Fire Captain Anderson provided medical attention to the injured and emotional support to other firefighters in the area that had not witnessed such an incident. HFEO Westrip witnessed the crash, parked his vehicle, and made his way up the steep slope to the crash site. He administered first aid to the injured. As the fire continued to get closer to the helicopter and personnel, Battalion Chief Waterman, Fire Captain Anderson and HFEO Westrip coordinated and participated in the extraction, stabilized medical treatment and care to the three injured individuals trapped in the downed helicopter and assisted in the evacuation of some 50 rescuers. The fire below them gained intensity and eventually completely burned over the entire site where the helicopter had crashed.