August 5, 2008 LODD- 9 Firefighters

Helicopter Crash near Merlin, Oregon

A helicopter ferrying firefighters in the California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest lost power to its main rotor as it took off, crashing and killing nine Fire Fighters. The helicopter hit trees, then the ground and caught fire, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Four people also were injured in the crash.

Firefighter Shawn Blazer, 30
Fire fighter Scott Charleson, 25
Firefighter Matthew Hammer, 23
Fire fighter Edrik Gomez, 19
Fire fighter Byran Rich, 29
Fire fighter Michael Brown, 20
Fire fighter David Steele, 19
Firefighter Richard Schroeder, 42
Fire Fighter Steven “Caleb” Renno, 21

Command pilot Roark Schwanenberg, 54, of Lostine, and check pilot Jim Ramage, 63, of Redding, Calif., also died. Ramage was a Forest Service employee.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET. 

Many Thanks to the Men and Women Who Put their Lives on the Line So that Others May Live and to the Families and Friends that Support Them.

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Courtesy:  Brew City Fools