Deepest Sympothies

Sorry no pictures this time around... just a quick mention and a heartfelt thought! Yesterday (Sunday the 9th) we responded to the park to assist in a Search and Recovery. A wife and mother fell unexpectedly to her death on the Angel's Landing trail. It was a rough day for the recovery team, overshadowed only by the thoughts of a husband and children that witnessed the event. I took several crewmembers in to assist with the carry-out... sombering event.

I would like to state that myself and the crew hurt for the family left behind. They have been in our thoughts and prayers!

It reminds me that life is fleeting... and it doesn't take a dangerous job, or a desire for adrenaline filled activities in order for a life to be taken unexpectedly. Simply enjoying life can sometimes sneak up on you and rob away the moments you thought would last. Please, take the time to share your feelings with those you care about... and don't spend your days angered by the little things that we can't control, rather spend time enjoying the little things that make you smile!

Live Life!!! Make a memory... and most important, Smile!

Deepest Sympothies...
M.L.

It's what we do...

In our line of work (Helitack) there are times that we stay incredibly busy, barely able to keep ahead of the next request... and there are times that we must entertain ourselves, for fear of going insane from the mundane work that is our job. I have engaged in countless discussions in which people have thrown out the cliche joke "L.C.E.S. = Locate Cooler Establish Shade". Truely few people that have spent any time on an exclusive use initial attack helicopter crew, would argue that those men and women stuck on the Helibase wouldn't rather be up on the hill fighting the fire! But someone must support the aviation operations that have become essential in fighting fires...

That being said... as a fire heads into the mop-up stage, the days get very long at Helibase. Now, I can't divulge the names... and I dare not speak of the program... primarily out of respect! However, I couldn't resist sharing with you the way in which some crews pass the time when Helibase operations become slow...

This particular crew is making a music video, in which an unnamed... unidentified crewmember dances to the music while typical helitack operations occur in the background. We all had a really good laugh watching these helitack producers strut their stuff in front of the "skycrane" as it dipped out of the lake...

I am aware that those who are familiar with this crew will recognize them immediately... but then anyone who has spent time around this particular crew knows that this ongoing production is taking place... to the fear of their supervisor, it will most likely end up on YouTube...

If you would like to check out some more super funny videos created by super bored helitack crews... try visiting YouTube.com and searching Helitack Videos.

Until the next post... keep busy!