Age: 48 
Cause of Death: Vehicle Collision – Includes Aircraft 
Rank: Captain 
Nature of Death: Trauma 
Classification: Wildland Contract 
Emergency Duty: Yes  
Incident Date: 06/03/2012 
Duty Type: On-Scene Fire 
Incident Time: 14:00 
Activity Type: Driving/Operating Vehicle/Apparatus 
Death Date: 06/03/2012 
Fixed Prop. Use: Outdoor Property 
Fire Dept. Info: Neptune Aviation Services, Inc.
1 Corporate Way
Missoula , Montana  59808
Chief: Chief Executive Officer Kristen Nicolarsen
 
Initial Summary:   Captain Todd Tompkins and First Officer Ronnie Chambless passed away while fighting the 5,000 acre White Rock Fire which was sparked by lightning in eastern Nevada. On the second run of the day in their model P2V Lockheed Martin aircraft, Captain Tompkins and First Officer Chambless were nearing the wildfire when they crashed in the Hamlin Valley area of Iron County, Utah, near the Utah-Nevada border. It was estimated that the aircraft held approximately 1,600 gallons of fuel and 2,000 gallons of fire retardant. It was reported that the NTSB, FAA, and U.S. Forest Service officials are responding to the crash for investigation.  
Memorial Fund Info: Pending