Fire Captain

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

7/26/2004

Special Act Award (Gold)

On July 26, 2004, Fire Captain David W. Junette and Pilot Thomas McConnel rescued three individuals from a downed Jet Ranger helicopter. The Jet Ranger helicopter was surveying the area to provide spot fire reports, when it clipped a tree line and crashed into an area threatened by a rapidly growing fire. The helicopter's three occupants were injured and trapped inside. Captain Junette and Pilot McConnel aided in slowing the fire by successfully dropping water around the perimeter, enabling ground support to prepare the injured occupants for evacuation. Because of their size, the medical helicopters were unable to maneuver and land near the crash site. Low on fuel and realizing time was of the essence, Captain Junette and Pilot McConnel skillfully piloted and placed their helicopter into a site so small that those on the ground thought it would not be able to land safely. Captain Junette and Pilot McConnel flew two of the injured occupants to the nearby medical helicopters, returned and repeated the same aerodynamic feat again for the third injured occupant. All three were then transported to the hospital.