Detective Sergeant Edward Francis Wilkinson was killed on April 17, 1977 while piloting the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department helicopter “Angel 1.” Sergeant Wilkinson was returning to the helicopter hangar at the Sonoma County Airport after searching for a missing nine-year old girl when the helicopter ran out of fuel and crashed into a field on Barnes Road, approximately one-half mile south of River Road.

Also injured in the 4:30 p.m. crash was helicopter observer Reserve Deputy Gloria Baxter. Sergeant Wilkinson was severely injured and succumbed to his injuries later that night. Reserve Deputy Baxter suffered major injuries but ultimately recovered.

Sergeant Wilkinson started the Department’s helicopter program and was its first pilot. The helicopter program is still in existence and has been credited with saving many lives through its search and rescue, law enforcement, and medical air ambulance services. The Wilkinson Valor Award was created in Sergeant Wilkinson’s memory to honor fellow officers for acts of heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Wilkinson was a 17-year veteran of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Sergeant Wilkinson’s ashes were scattered at sea.