I am deeply saddened to be writing about another wildland fire aviation fatality. On Monday, August 24th, a Kmax helicopter (type 1) crashed while doing bucket drops on the White River Fire in the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. According to Oregon Live (August 25th), the KMax was on contract with the U.S. Forest Service. The only occupant of the Kmax, the pilot, was the only fatality. The wildland firefighting has lost yet another one of their firefighting family.
The US Forest Service had initially announced yesterday afternoon that they were not releasing the name of the pilot pending notification of the family. However, by early evening, the pilot was identified.
The pilot was Tom Duffy (40) of Bozeman, Montana. He was identified in a press release from his Church, the Seventh Day Adventists. Thanks to Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation for his August 26th article and the link to the Gleaner Now: Northwest Adventists in Action (August 25th) article about Tom Duffy. Tom was an active member of the Adventists in Bozeman Montana and a leader in their Northwest organization. He was deeply committed to the Adventists and much loved by the Adventist community in Bozeman and in their Northwest organization. He is survived by his wife, Robyn and his three children.
Hearts in and outside of the wildland firefighting community that were already broken by the August 19th helicopter crash and the July 31st SEAT mid-air collision are broken yet again.
Tom, you were doing good service making bucket drops from your KMax over the White River Fire when you died. You loved your family, your church, and your flying buddies. You died protecting the Mt. Hood National Forest, an area that had special meaning for some in my family. I thank-you for this. I will always remember your service and your sacrifice. I offer my sincere prayers for your family, church family, friends, colleagues and all who loved you.
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