Fallen Hero Memorial

Name	End of Watch	Agency	State/Country
Carlos Hernndez Lpez, Fernando In Memory Of Fernando Carlos Hernndez Lpez Federal Mexican Police, MEX End of watch: 2006-05-30 Aircraft: Unknown Schweizer Helicopter Agent Fernando Carlos Hernndez Lpez died, along with Pilot, Sergio Ovidio Pedrero and mechanic Manuel Garca Ramrez when their helicopter crashed while on a recognizance flight in Southwest Juarez. Witnesses said they heard two explosions before seeing the helicopter burst into flames, then crash. The aircraft landed in a maquiladora lot full of empty semi-truck trailers. Thoughts and Memories of Fernando Carlos Hernndez Lpez No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2006-05-30	Federal Mexican Police	MEX
Carmikle, Sgt. Monty In Memory Of Sgt. Monty Carmikle Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, AK End of watch: 2008-11-16 Aircraft: Bell OH-58 Sergeant Monty Carmikle was killed in a helicopter crash while conducting an operation aimed at catching night hunters. He was acting as an observer when the Bell OH-58 helicopter crashed in Cleburne County, Arkansas, at approximately 1:00 am. The contract pilot suffered non-life threatening injuries. Sergeant Carmikle had served with the agency for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and son. Thoughts and Memories of Sgt. Monty Carmikle No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2008-11-16	Arkansas Game and Fish Commission	AK
Carson, Robert In Memory Of Robert Carson U.S. Coast Guard, AK End of watch: 1986-11-02 Aircraft: Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican This crew was on a night SAR case to Old Harbor, AK in very poor weather. While circumnavigating Ugak Island, a small island with high terrain just off the main island of Kodiak, it is believed that they encountered unexpected weather in the form of heavy winds and rain. The aircraft impacted a high cliff and fell to the beach below to be consumed by a post-crash fire. The aircraft was crewed by LT Robert L. Carson, Jr., LT Michael Clement Dollahite (CG Aviator #2148), CDR David Meurice Rockmore, USPHS, ASM2 Kevin M. McCraken, AT3 William G. Kemp, and HS3 Ralph D. King. Thoughts and Memories of Robert Carson No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1986-11-02	U.S. Coast Guard	AK
Carter, Bernard In Memory Of Bernard Carter Colorado Springs Police Department, CO End of watch: 1975-05-14 Aircraft: unknown helicopter On the afternoon of May 14, 1975, Officer Carter and a civilian observer had been assisting patrol officers as they tried to control a riot involving 250 students at Irving Junior High. After remaining on the scene several minutes, Officer Carter advised dispatch that the riot appeared to be subsiding and he cleared the area. A few moments after the last transmission, the Colorado Springs Police Department Communications Center was advised of some type of aviation crash on South Carefree Circle near the intersection of Valencia Road. When assistance arrived on scene, it was discovered that the CSPD helicopter had crashed, killing both Officer Carter and the civilian observer. Thoughts and Memories of Bernard Carter A concerned citizen and fellow pilot God bless you and your family for your ultimate sacrifice. Julienne Gore Bernard was known as “Uncle Bunny” to me. “You have never been forgotten, but you surely have been missed” Love, Your Niece, Lee LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1975-05-14	Colorado Springs Police Department	CO
Carter, James In Memory Of James Carter U.S. Border Patrol, TX End of watch: 1956-06-06 Aircraft: Piper Supercub Patrol Inspectors James M. Carter and Carter M. Newsome were temporarily detailed from Marfa, Texas, to Comstock, Texas, on June 4, 1956, for a two-week horse patrol operation to work in the vicinity of Comstock. On June 6, these officers, accompanied by Patrol Inspector Emmit R. Brotherton, were about 35 miles north-northwest of Comstock engaged in “sign-cutting”, a term applied to locating and following footprints or other physical evidence left by a person traversing an area. The officers had located two sets of footprints and were tracking them when Service aircraft N4375A, piloted by Airplane Pilot Douglas G. Shute, arrived. Thereafter, the aircraft was used in the search operation with Patrol Inspector Carter serving as observer in the plane. At about 10:00 a.m., the pilot reported by radio that the walkers had been located and directed the ground crew on a course to intercept them. The plane was then seen making a banking turn to the left and resuming level flight at 100 feet altitude. Shortly thereafter, the plane went into a steep climb and at 450 feet it stalled, falling into a left spin from which there was no recovery. There had been no change in engine power during the maneuver, in the spin, or at impact. The plane struck the ground in vertical descent, the engine being driven back into the cockpit. The force of the impact telescoped the cabin, imprisoning the pilot and observer. Thoughts and Memories of James Carter No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1956-06-06	U.S. Border Patrol	TX
Carvalho, Alvaro In Memory Of Alvaro Carvalho Brazilian Military Police, BRA End of watch: 2007-04-16 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Police Captain Alvaro Jorge Carvalho, co-pilot, died when the helicopter his helicopter crashed in the mountains near Colatina City, Espiritu Santo State, southeast Brazil. Police Detective Eduardo Ponzo Peres, pilot, three doctors, and a nurse who worked in the local health ministry’s organ reception department also died in the crash. The crew was transporting human transplant organs to the states capital in Vitoria. Thoughts and Memories of Alvaro Carvalho Alberto Carvalho The memories we have do not fit here. He was a very beautiful person. A winged man who was able to combine excellency and simplicity in everything he made, plus passion. Excellency by the level of his conquests and superior capacity. Simplicity because, despite this, he continued the same modest person we love. Things seemed to be easier with him. His’ day seemed to be longer than ours. He is the person I admire most in the world, and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to learn with him. Listening to him was one of the more rewarding things to do. He was my best friend. Jr. and I are as proud as possible to be his brothers. A lot of memories are appearing nowadays proceeding from various sources, with numerous histories of him. Moved people who knew and liked him want to tell us all of the good things he did. Life has less meaning without him, forever… LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2007-04-16	Brazilian Military Police	BRA
Carwell, Larry In Memory Of Larry Carwell U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexico End of watch: 1984-01-09 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Larry N. Carwell of the Houston District Office, died on January 9, 1984, in a helicopter crash during an operations flight near the Bahamas. The aircraft suffered a dual engine flame out after the fuel tank outlets became clogged. He was 39 years of age at the time of his death. SA Carwell joined the DEA as a Special Agent in May 1974. During his 10 years in Houston, he was very active in drug prevention programs and had worked closely with Houston area sports teams. He received the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association’s Medal of Valor in October 1984 “for having performed his duty…at a personal risk of life.” Thoughts and Memories of Larry Carwell Chris Lenahan I was one of the Air Force crewmen that worked with Larry in the Bahamas and was there when the crash occurred killing Larry as well as three Air Force crew members and one Bahamian Poice Officer. Larry was a great guy to work with and his loss was tragic. I would be more than willing to talk to any of Larry’s family about what happened in the Bahamas and have pictures of him I would like share with them. Claude Cosey Rest in Peace, Agent Carwell. You served your nation and your agency well. Your sacrifice was not in vain! Your work continues, with the OPBAT mission still ongoing in the Bahamas and in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You are still remembered by the Royal Bahamian Police Force officers you worked with and around. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1984-01-09	U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration	Mexico
Casey, Desmond In Memory Of Desmond Casey San Jose Police Department, CA End of watch: 1999-10-25 Aircraft: MD600N San Jose Police Officer Desmond Casey was killed on October 25, 1999, when his helicopter crashed after he lost control of the aircraft while approaching San Jose International Airport. Officer Casey was able to avoid crashing into a heavily populated area by veering his aircraft onto a section of highway near Interstate 880. Both Casey and a mechanic were killed when the helicopter slammed into the middle of the street. The helicopter had been grounded two days earlier when Casey had taken San Jose Department’s only helicopter on a routine flight. Casey made a precautionary landing at Reid Hillview Airport to have the aircraft checked out because the helicopter didn’t feel quite “right.” Casey took off from Reid Hillview on Oct. 25, after a comprehensive test failed to discover any problem with the aircraft. The five-year-old helicopter named “Air One” crashed just 12 minutes after take off. San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and Police Chief William Lansdowne called the veteran pilot a hero for steering the spinning helicopter to the only empty spot in the congested area. “We are tremendously saddened by the loss of the officer and his passenger,” said Gonzales. “I’m proud of the training this officer had and the skill that was demonstrated in landing where he did.” Chief Lansdowne said that Casey was a wonderful officer with an exemplary record. The 38-year-old Casey, who grew up in San Carlos, had been with the San Jose Police Department for 10 years. He was one of four officers and one sergeant assigned to patrol the city by helicopter. He was the 10th officer from the San Jose Police Department to be killed in the line of duty. Casey had a history of performing courageous acts. As a first lieutenant in the 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard, Casey flew in Operation Northern Watch and helped to patrol northern Iraq airspace. He also flew missions to rescue northern California flood victims in 1997 and 1998. Just two weeks prior to the crash, Casey piloted a mission to save the life of a firefighter trapped by a wildfire in Big Sur. Casey was able to master anything he tried. Before joining the force, Casey was a wild-animal trainer and a water skier at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo. While working patrol, Casey decided he wanted to become a pilot in the department’s support unit. Casey took a leave of absence from the force, became a U.S. Army warrant officer and got into helicopter flight school. A memorial service was held for Casey on Friday, Oct.29 at 11a.m. in San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts. More than 3,200 officers, civic leaders, firefighters and others attended the service. Speakers included Attorney Gen. Bill Lockyer, Chief Lansdowne, and Mayor Gonzales. Because of his heroic actions as a result of his concern for his fellow citizens, Officer Casey was posthumously awarded the department’s highest award: the Medal of Honor. Casey was only the eighth person to receive the award. Casey also received the California Cross and the Medal of Valor from the California Air National Guard. A full requiem mass was conducted in Latin, and the honor guard with the San Jose Police Department performed a 21 gun salute. Casey was also saluted by an eight-helicopter flyby flown in the missing man formation. A C-130 airplane also participated in the salute from Casey’s air guard unit. After the service, Casey’s body was taken to Santa Clara for burial. Casey is survived by his mother, Mitzie, father, Desmond, two sisters, and his fiance, Theresa Nance, a Santa Clara County parks ranger. Thoughts and Memories of Desmond Casey No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1999-10-25	San Jose Police Department	CA
Ceniceros, Jess In Memory Of Jess Ceniceros Civil Air Patrol, CA End of watch: 1997-11-03 Aircraft: Cessna 182 Skylane Captain Jess Ceniceros died when his Skylane crashed at 1743 hours near Markleeville, GA., during a SAR mission. Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Nettell was also killed. Thoughts and Memories of Jess Ceniceros No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1997-11-03	Civil Air Patrol	CA
Ceolin, Walter In Memory Of Walter Ceolin Ontario Ministry of Resources, CAN End of watch: 2003-01-21 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Conservation Officer Walter Ceolin was part of a work group conducting aerial moose surveys north of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario when their helicopter encountered mechanical difficulties. The helicopter rolled over and crashed into the bush. Witnesses were on the scene almost immediately and attempted to help but there were no survivors. Officer Ceolin had come in to work on his day off to fly that day. Officer Ceolin had 25 years of service with Ontario Ministry of Resources and is survived by his companion and a son. Thoughts and Memories of Walter Ceolin No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2003-01-21	Ontario Ministry of Resources	CAN
Champe, Randy In Memory Of Randy Champe Los Angeles Police Department, CA End of watch: 1991-06-13 Aircraft: AS350B Officers Randy Champe and Gary Howe, operating “Air 12”, suffered a mechanical failure and crashed near Vernon Street and Raymond Avenue. Both crew members were killed, as well as a civilian on the ground. More than 2,000 law enforcement officers from throughout Southern California converged on the Hollywood Hills to honor them. More than 30 helicopters saluted the fallen officers with a 10-minute flyover as part of the smoggy morning ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park cemetery. The memorial service opened with a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” and ended 90 minutes later with the somber blasts of “Taps” from a gleaming trumpet. Police and military honor guards paid tribute to the two officers with a 21-gun salute, followed by the ceremonial folding of the American flags that had been draped over the caskets. Gates and Capt. Robert Woods, commanding officer of the Air Support Division, presented the flags to Sue Champe, and Lynette Howe the widows. Champe, a 17-year veteran and the helicopter’s TFO, served as a Marine in Vietnam. In memory of the two officers, Police Department officials said the unit designation “Air 12,” which had been assigned to Champe and Howe, will no longer be used by the department. Thoughts and Memories of Randy Champe Doug Abney The officers from LAPD’s 77th Street Division wrote the following tribute to Randy and Gary, which is posted in the hallway at Air Support Division. “ANY AIR UNIT IN THE AREA OF 77TH DIVISION COME INTO CONTROL” TRANSMISSIONS YOU WOULD OFTEN HEAR, AND QUICKLY RESPOND, WHETHER YOU WERE FAR OR NEAR… YOU WERE OUR EYES UP HIGH IN THE CLOUDS, AND YOU ALWAYS FOUND THAT SUSPECT, EVEN IN THE LARGEST CROWDS.. OUR PERIMETERS YOU WOULD QUICKLY SET, OUR “ASTAR” TEAM IN THE AIR, ONE OF THE BEST WE HAD-YOU BET… WHEN THINGS WERE QUIET, AND YOUR AIR SHIP WAS JUST AROUND, RANDY, WE KNOW YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE JOINED US FOR THAT CUP OF COFFEE ON THE GROUND.. GARY, WE KNOW HOW MUCH WE KNOW YOU LOVED TO FLY AND WHEN WE NEEDED YOU IN THE AIR, ON YOUR PRESENCE WE COULD RELY.. THE SOUND OF THE ASTAR CHOOPER WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEARD THOSE VOICES BEHIND THOSE TRANSMISSIONS FROM YOU, ARE NOW JUST TRESURED WORDS.. “FOREVER AIR 12 AND WE’RE HEADED HOME, YOU GUYS BE SAFE OUT THERE.” “ROGER-AIR 12 THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE” John Harrel Randy was a great leader, a USMC Captain and typical “John Wayne” quiet man. Randy was a boat captain in off duty life, his wife Sue has always been a gem to the guys at LAPD Air Support Division. While walking through burning flames in an aircraft down exercise at VNY’s, Randy was my back up, the guy who would not let you fall into certain death, if I did trip and fall amist the hoses and debris under our feet. Randy was always cool calm and collected, no matter what. He was the best that a Los Angeles Policeman could ever be. Thomas Vorpe, Sergeant – H.P.D I first met Randy in Houston while he was a member of the Houston Police Department. He and his wife had transferred to Houston due to her job changing. Randy joined HPD with the hopes that he would join the Helicopter Division. As fate would have it, managment at HPD had different plans for Randy and assigned him to foot patrol in downtown. No matter what assignment Randy had, he was nothing less than 100% professional. I remember talking with him about his days in L.A. and how he loved working in the Air Unit and his hopes of joining Houston P.D.’s air unit when the opportunity presented itself. Fate smiled on Randy when they decided to return to California and he could once again, do what he loved to do. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1991-06-13	Los Angeles Police Department	CA
Chester, Roy In Memory Of Roy Chester Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA End of watch: 1988-10-24 Aircraft: Bell UH1 Five sheriff’s deputies from Southern California and three National Guardsmen were killed when the helicopter they were flying in a joint drug interdiction mission snagged on a power line and exploded into a hillside in western Imperial County. The accident occurred Monday, Oct. 24, about 9:30 p.m., approximately 63 miles east of San Diego on what was described as a training flight on the first night of an unpublicized anti-drug surveillance program called Operation Border Ranger. The National Guard UH-1H Huey helicopter crashed when it tried to make a pass through an isolated canyon to close in on a parked car thought to belong to drug smugglers, a National Guard spokesman stated. Killed in the crash were five deputies from a consortium of six Southern California sheriff’s departments that sponsored Operation Border Ranger, an anti-drug smuggling program that was quietly organized earlier this year. The three dead guardsmen were stationed with the 140th Aviation Unit at the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orange County. The dead deputies were identified as Roy A. Chester, 41, of La Verne, and James D. McSweeney, 43, of Huntington Beach, both 12-year Los Angeles County Sheriff’s veterans; Sgt. Richard G. Romero, 39, El Centro, a 14-year veteran in Imperial County; Mark Steven Tonkin, 31, Chino, a seven-year member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; and Investigator Michael David Davis, 34, Indio, a nine-year veteran Riverside County deputy. San Diego and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments, the other participants in the program, had no one on board. The deputies who died were all experienced narcotics officers. Chester, who is survived by his wife, Marilyn, a 19-year-old daughter and twin 17-year-old sons, joined the narcotics detail in March 1984, and received numerous citations and commendations. Thoughts and Memories of Roy Chester Michael Chester No greater Father Cop and Friend! Mike Griffin I worked with Roy Chester and Jim Mc Sweeney at Firestone Station shortly before they died. Both were honorable men and outstanding cops who are missed greatly. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1988-10-24	Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department	CA
Childress, G. In Memory Of G. Childress West Virginia State Police, WV End of watch: 1996-04-04 Aircraft: Bell 206L-1 While in transit from Yeager Airport to the West Virginia State Police Academy, Officer G. Wayne Childress [50], died when his helicopter crashed into a wooded hillside at Charleston, WV. Also killed was Lt. C. Matthew Turner [41]. The aircraft was reported by 30 witnesses at 300-500 feet and to have broken up in the air, with a substantial length of the tail section being found some 450 feet from the main wreckage. Thoughts and Memories of G. Childress No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1996-04-04	West Virginia State Police	WV
Chirrick, Gerald In Memory Of Gerald Chirrick Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, OR End of watch: 1985-07-23 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick, Corporal Virgle D. Knight, Jr. and Special Deputy Ronald A. Terwilliger died when their aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. Thoughts and Memories of Gerald Chirrick No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1985-07-23	Douglas County Sheriff’s Department	OR
Clabaugh, David In Memory Of David Clabaugh Panola County Sheriff’s Office, TX End of watch: 1979-12-06 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Sheriff David L. Clabaugh died as a result of being struck by a helicopter rotor blade. Thoughts and Memories of David Clabaugh Chad Chadwick When I was a small child, I lived in Carthage. My dad was a member of the fire dept. with David. My dad always looked up to David. I have a picture of David and myself taken when I was 3 or 4 during the Christmas parade. This picture hangs on the wall in my home, along with many other pictures I have of my almost 24 years in the fire service. I remember that when David was killed it was one of the few times I saw my Dad cry. Jennifer Jordan David Clabaugh was my grandfather. He died when I was in first grade, but I had so many great memories of him as a loving, energetic man. It was apparent to me, even at that young age, that people respected him greatly. I was always proud to be with him. Paula (Israel) Matzke David Clabaugh was a dear friend of my family. My Father, Paul Israel, was the Fire Chief in Lake Jackson, Texas, and I assume that he met Mr. Clabaugh when they were teaching at the Texas A&M Fire School. My grandparents had a cabin on Lake Murvaul and we spent most of our family vacations at the Lake. Any time we were in East Texas, we went to Carthage to see the Clabaughs. We loved them like family and had great respect for Mr. Clabaugh. We would go visit them in town, then in later years at their ranch in the country. I remember fishing and paddling around their pond in a flat bottom boat and riding on one of his cows. He and his wife were so kind and accommodating when we were in their home. I was 14 years old when Mr. Clabaugh died and I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing at the time. My family was devastated. It was as if we had lost a member of our family. He was a fine man and a true hero. I recently attended a memorial service at the Texas A&M fire field honoring my Father, who passed away last year. I saw Mr. Clabaugh’s name on the Memorial wall as well and remembered all of the good times we shared with the Clabaughs in Carthage. I Googled his name and found this Memorial. I hope his family will read this and know how many lives he touched. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1979-12-06	Panola County Sheriff’s Office	TX
Collins, Tom In Memory Of Tom Collins Ventura County Sheriff's Department, CA End of watch: 1975-10-25 Aircraft: Bell 47 Sergeant Collins, 35, died when the helicopter he was flying crashed in the Santa Clara Riverbed. Tom started the helicopter unit for the sheriff’s department in 1971. Prior to working for the department, he flew helicopters for the Navy. As a Naval Lieutenant, Tom was the youngest commissioned officer at that time. Thoughts and Memories of Tom Collins No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1975-10-25	Ventura County Sheriff's Department	CA
Collins, Tony In Memory Of Tony Collins Police Scotland, GBR End of watch: 2013-11-29 Aircraft: Eurocopter EC135T2 Police helicopter of Police Scotland operated by Bond Air Services out of Glasgow. Helicopter with Police Constable Kirsty Ellis, Police Constable Tony Collins and Captain Peter Traill crashed on flat roof of a crowded public house and penetrated floor below killing the crew and a number of people inside Thoughts and Memories of Tony Collins No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2013-11-29	Police Scotland	GBR
Colon Gurgos, William In Memory Of William Colon Gurgos Puerto Rico Police Department, PR End of watch: 1993-07-26 Aircraft: Hughes 369D Officer William Colon Gurgos was killed when the helicopter he was in struck power lines while undertaking a rescue attempt over Carraizo River Dam. Also killed were Officers Jose Ramon Bonilla Gonzalez and Edgardo Gutierrez Colon. Thoughts and Memories of William Colon Gurgos No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1993-07-26	Puerto Rico Police Department	PR
Conners, Robert In Memory Of Robert Conners U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, OH End of watch: 1982-12-16 Aircraft: unknown airplane On December 16, 1982, Special Agents Terry Burnett Hereford, Charles L. Ellington, Robert W. Conners, and Michael James Lynch were killed in a Bureau airplane accident near Montgomery, Ohio. The Agents were accompanying a bank fraud and embezzlement subject, Carl Henry Johnson, and an individual from the law firm representing Johnson to Cincinnati. They were attempting to locate $50,000 in embezzled money, which Johnson had hidden in that area. The plane, piloted by SAs Hereford and Conners, crashed on approach to Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport near Montgomery, and all aboard were killed. There were indications that the aircraft encountered altitude read-out problems, was flying at a low altitude, and hit some wires before it went down. Thoughts and Memories of Robert Conners No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1982-12-16	U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation	OH
Cook, Merle In Memory Of Merle Cook Florida Highway Patrol, FL End of watch: 1981-07-13 Aircraft: Cessna 172-P Trooper Cook was piloting his airplane when it crashed in St. John’s County, while assisting in the search for two suspects wanted for breaking and entering. Corporal Cleo Tomlinson and Trooper Robert Pruitt were also lost in the crash. Trooper Cook had served the citizens of Florida, with the Florida Highway Patrol, for 10 years. His career with FHP began January 1, 1971. He was in the 40th recruit class in Tallahassee, from January 10 to March 31, 1972. He was stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Brooksville and Lake City. At the time of his death, he was 44. Thoughts and Memories of Merle Cook No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1981-07-13	Florida Highway Patrol	FL
Corbell, Vernon In Memory Of Vernon Corbell Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA End of watch: 1957-04-15 Aircraft: unknown airplane Sergeant Vernon Corbell, who was assigned to the AERO Bureau, and Polygraph Technician Raymond Willis, who was an observer, were killed in a plane crash. Sergeant Corbell was piloting a small airplane in search of a downed plane near Malibu. Sergeant Corbell experienced engine trouble and attempted to land. The airplane scraped a hog back ridge at the edge of Puerco Canyon and burst into flames, starting a small brush fire. The plane crashed 500 feet short of the emergency landing strip. Local ranchers rushed to the site but were kept back by the intense heat. The bodies of Corbell and Willis were later recovered by firefighters. Thoughts and Memories of Vernon Corbell No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1957-04-15	Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department	CA
Cormier, J.E.R. In Memory Of J.E.R. Cormier Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada End of watch: 1958-01-01 Aircraft: DHC-2 In the first fatal accident suffered by the RCMP near Skaha Lake, BC, Special Constable J. E. R. Cormier, Staff Sergeant S. S. Rothwell, and Constable R. W. Green were killed when their aircraft struck a hillside during a manhunt. Thoughts and Memories of J.E.R. Cormier No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1958-01-01	Royal Canadian Mounted Police	Canada
Cormier, Robert In Memory Of Robert Cormier Dallas Police Department, TX End of watch: 1984-07-24 Aircraft: B206B3 Lieutenant Robert L. Cormier and Pilot James C. Taylor were killed while surveying landing sites for the Republican National Convention in Dallas. They were taking off from a parking lot near the Central Patrol Division sub-station and on climb out the rotor blades struck the 523′ unsupported communications tower located on top of the radio shop at the central maintenance garage. Lieutenant Cormier had been with the agency for 25 years and was survived by his wife and five children. Thoughts and Memories of Robert Cormier No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1984-07-24	Dallas Police Department	TX
Coyle, Pat In Memory Of Pat Coyle San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, CA End of watch: 1997-02-16 Aircraft: MD 500D Deputy Pat Coyle, 42, was critically injured and died about three hours after his aircraft crashed while investigating suspected trespassers. The accident occurred at 19:44 hours on private property near Santee Lakes, a rural area about 20 miles northeast of San Diego. His death marked the first fatality in the 25-year history of the sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter unit. Coyle, during a funeral Mass in the Immaculata at the University of San Diego, was eulogized as a devoted husband and father who had attained his dream job as a flying sheriff’s deputy. “Patrick Steven Coyle was a heroic and courageous deputy sheriff who never gave up,” Sheriff Bill Kolender said. He died with his law enforcement friends – his second family. He was never alone.” Coyle’s law enforcement family came to honor him, and a procession of black and white cars wound its way from San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium to the church. The pews were filled with a sea of deputies in olive drab dress uniforms adorned with black mourning ribbons, and with friends from as far away as Scottsdale, Arizona, and Northern California. An oversized portrait of a beaming Coyle was in front of the altar, where 20 years before he had graduated from high school. Maybe that smile, described as the kind one could hear, provided some comfort. Police Chief Mike Poehlman of Oceanside, Coyle’s close friend for 25 years, said Coyle reminded him of the central character in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. “Coyle was a generous, big-hearted man who was able to touch many people in his short but full life,” he said. He was “a real family person, very devoted to his children and helping young people in the community.” “All he wanted to be was a street cop,” Poehlman said, “All he wanted to be was where the action was.” Poehlman recalled their start in law enforcement as police cadets in El Cajon, the Catholic faith they shared, and the good times they spent body-surfing on beaches from Ocean Beach to Oceanside. He talked of the love Coyle had for his wife of 13 years, Jackie; his daughter, Chelsea, 5; and his son, Cory, 9. “I think those (heavenly) hosts are saying here lived a great friend who did his job,” Poehlman said, “Thanks God for sharing him before taking him back to you.” Coyle had worked as a deputy in the Central and Vista jails, on patrol in Fallbrook and recently staffed overtime shifts in San Marcos, where many deputies knew him. “His personality was magnetic,” San Marcos Sheriff’s Sgt. Mark Coppes said. “He was a gentleman and very well respected.” Sgt. Frank Adams of the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation was Coyle’s superior during his two years there. Coyle took routine patrols in Fallbrook and was instrumental in starting the station’s bicycle patrol, Adams said. Coyle “was a very proactive deputy,” he added. “People enjoyed him. He was the mascot of the station, a big teddy bear and a good guy. You could really depend on him.” Coyle had a lifelong Interest in flying. Had a private pilot license, was instrument certified and was working on a commercial pilot license, Poehlman said. In addition, he was an avid body surfer and had served as a judge several times in the world body surfing championships. “He was very enthusiastic about his job,” said Sgt. Jack Dunn of the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit Deputy Coyle, an Oceanside resident, was responsible for getting a sheriff’s helicopter dedicated to the North County, he said. “It’s easy to say something good about someone after they’re gone,” added Dunn, “but he was in fact extremely well liked by the people he worked with.” Coyle was also a parishioner at St. Francis Catholic Church in Vista. Both San Diego natives, Poehlman and Coyle met as 17-year-old high school students in the El Cajon Police Department’s cadets program. “It was there where we became friends,” Po Thoughts and Memories of Pat Coyle Cory Coyle ell first of all, I wish I could have had some more memories of the best man that I had ever known..I still wonder to this day why it had to be MY FATHER but as they always say the good die young and you are definitely the kind of person that fell into that category.I wish you could have been here to point me in the right direction and also to follow in your footsteps..I will miss you forever dad and wherever you may be at this time just know that I love you and will try to find things to fill that empty part of me that belonged to you..Rest in Peace Patrick Steven Coyle. Devonne Donohue Uncle Pat you are in my heart always, there is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of. Thank you for all the fun times we had while I was growing up, the skiing trips, airplane rides, roller coasters and best of all just sitting around on the living room floor just being silly and laughing. You are the best uncle anyone could ever ask for and then some.I love and miss you,Devonna XOXO Frank Dillinger Every time I see ABLE or ASTREA in the air, I remember the crash in Santee. An impact that quieted the community but remember the person you are. I hate to think of it as a loss, but I would also like to think of it as a gain. We now truly have a shoulder angel ASTREA high above watching over all of us. I met you a couple of times when I was younger at ASTREA base and thought you were a funny out going person. You also made an impact of my choice of Law Enforcement and made me think, “God, I want to be just like Deputy Coyle.” God bless your family and friends that were very close to you. We love you. We will not forget you. Michele Tewell Uncle Pat, There is not one day that goes by that does not have thoughts of you in them, I often remember all those summer vacations my sister Devonne and I got to spend with you in Vacaville, from riding roller coasters to river rafting or taking a cruise on the motorcycle up to the lake. I miss all the fun times we’ve had, you were always there for us , for advice or just to lend a shoulder. I often think about what you would look like now, maybe a distinguished look in glasses and peppered hair. I Wish I Could See for myself. YOU ARE MISSED SO MUCH !!! I Love my UNCLE PAT and I WISH YOU WERE HERE. All My Love Michele XOXO Mollie Zinn-Murray Dear Pat; It’s so hard to believe you’ve been gone for 10 years today. Hopefully, through our thoughts and prayers, you know that your family and friends have not forgotten you, nor will we ever. All of your cousins, myself included, admired you and remember what an incredibly fun, genuinely nice, thoughtful and focused person you were. We talk about you still, and fondly recall all the huge family get-togethers in the tiny houses our parents lived in! I hope you know how much we miss you. Cousin Mollie Shannon Luby Uncle Pat- Although I don’t remember you very well, I miss you very much. I think of you and it brings tears to my eyes. Jackie, Cory, and Chelsea are all doing good. Its very weird that your not here to make memories with. Well I will see you up in heaven.. Your Niece Sharon McNair To my dear friend Pat,It is so hard to believe it has been eleven years since you left this world. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Boy, I miss you so much. Your laughter, your smile, your darn pig squeal. I still can see you with your curry hair, wearing your pig nose and uniform going around oinking. Boy, what a slight! You always had a way to keep us all laughing. You were the best friend a person could ask for. I still wonder why it had to be your time to leave us. I know you are looking down on us and guiding us through our lifes. Cory and Chelsea have grown into young adults and when I see them I see so much of you. Please contuine to watch over them. They need your love more than I.I have been so blessed to have called you my friend. Pat, I miss you so much.I Love You Pat. Your Friend Always.Sharon Todd Jager, San Diego Police Department Pat, no one could have ever imagined the impact your death would have on your unit and many others. You should be proud of your ASTREA brothers, as they have evolved in countless aspects in direct response to your tragic death. The lessons learned by your friends, fellow crewmembers and superiors have been shared with many others throughout our industry. Many of us are so much safer today because of the price you paid. I only wish you could be here with the rest of us. We promise to never forget you. Thank you. Toni (Coyle) Zuback My Dear Brother Pat, ten years ago tonight, you left us to go on to better places. We miss you still so very much and we always will. Cory and Chelsea have grown up so much. Chelsea is beautiful and Cory is handsome just like you.I still can hear you laughing and you doing your pig imitation. Your where the greatest. Love to you , Your Sister Toni Tony Webber Pat- Everytime I walk by your picture by my desk I remember the good times that came with your contagious laugh that none of us will ever forget. I will always remember the “reality check” you would give us when we thought times were tough. I will never forget the “Mastadon” smile and your upbeat attitude towards EVERYTHING! I wish you could be here to see the evolution of ASTREA, which was a direct result of the ultimate price that YOU paid for the rest of us. Thank you for the impact you made on all of our lives. Your Friend, Tony Webber, San Diego Sheriff’s Department/ASTREA LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1997-02-16	San Diego County Sheriff’s Department	CA
Coyour, Grant In Memory Of Grant Coyour Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MN End of watch: 1999-06-11 Aircraft: unknown airplane Conservation Officer Grant Scott Coyour and civilian moose researcher and PhD candidate Grant Coyour died when their plane crashed. They were flying a moose survey to locate cows to see whether or not they had calves. Their plane went down in the “Big Bog” on the far east of the study area. No one knows yet why the plane crashed. Thoughts and Memories of Grant Coyour No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1999-06-11	Minnesota Department of Natural Resources	MN
Crane, Jeffrey In Memory Of Jeffrey Crane U.S. Coast Guard, CA End of watch: 1997-06-08 Aircraft: HH-65A Dolphin Responding to a sailing vessel taking on water at night the crew of CG-6549 perished in poor weather conditions and high seas. It is believed that the aircraft impacted the water while attempting to make an approach to the vessel. The aircraft was crewed by LT Jeffrey F. Crane (CG Aviator #3188), LTJG Charles W. Thigpen IV (CG Aviator #3310), AD3 Richard L. Hughes, and ASM3 James G. Caines. All were lost. Thoughts and Memories of Jeffrey Crane LCDR Reuben M. Gonzales, USCGR (Ret) Jeff is one those people in the coast guard who I have had the privilege and honor of working with who will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff was one who set the example for others to follow. Jeff and I were stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles and he and I worked together, flew, and rescued others. Jeff and I also participated in AVDET’s to Central and South America. Jeff was always the professional and an example of what The Coast Guard stands for. Jeff was on my check ride when I earned my Air Crew wings and someone who I always respected. Jeff, you are not forgotten and your heroism will go down in history. Thank you for being my friend and mentor. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1997-06-08	U.S. Coast Guard	CA
Dailey, Francis In Memory Of Francis Dailey Florham Park Police Department, NJ End of watch: 1975-07-17 Aircraft: Cessna 150 Detective Francis A. Dailey and Patrolman Robert Hauptman were killed when their Cessna 150 stalled while returning to Morristown Airport. The two officers had been searching for marijuana crops. Thoughts and Memories of Francis Dailey Art Kinsman I was only 11 years old when we lost our uncle Frank. As the years go by, unfortunatly so do some of the memories. I remember my uncle Frank as a big, strong, fun loving family man. Christmas morning at our house walking on stilts in our living room. Him taking us for rides on the back of his motor cycle. Summer parties at their house with all the family. Him dressed up in his uniform. I think of my uncle Frank often, and can’t help but think “what could have been”. We all still miss him dearly. I feel that our family has and will never be able to fill the hole he left when we lost him…what an impact he had on all who remember him. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1975-07-17	Florham Park Police Department	NJ
Danny, Commander In Memory Of Commander Danny West Sumatra Police, West Sumatra End of watch: 2005-09-01 Aircraft: M-2 Commander Danny died when his M-2 police helicopter crashed in Dr. Mohammad Hatta Forest Garden while transporting several police officials to inspect a forest fire in South Solak area. About 10 minutes from Tabing Airport, the helicopter lost contact with the flight control tower and crashed in rugged terrain. Five other non-crewmembers were killed in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Commander Danny No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2005-09-01	West Sumatra Police	West Sumatra
Davis, Michael In Memory Of Michael Davis Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, CA End of watch: 1988-10-24 Aircraft: Bell UH1 Five sheriff’s deputies from Southern California and three National Guardsmen were killed when the helicopter they were flying in a joint drug interdiction mission snagged on a power line and exploded into a hillside in western Imperial County. The accident occurred Monday, Oct. 24, about 9:30 p.m., approximately 63 miles east of San Diego on what was described as a training flight on the first night of an unpublicized anti-drug surveillance program called Operation Border Ranger. The National Guard UH-1H Huey helicopter crashed when it tried to make a pass through an isolated canyon to close in on a parked car thought to belong to drug smugglers, a National Guard spokesman stated. Killed in the crash were five deputies from a consortium of six Southern California sheriff’s departments that sponsored Operation Border Ranger, an anti-drug smuggling program that was quietly organized earlier this year. The three dead guardsmen were stationed with the 140th Aviation Unit at the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orange County. The dead deputies were identified as Investigator Michael David Davis, 34, Indio, a nine-year veteran Riverside County deputy; James D. McSweeney, 43, of Huntington Beach, and Roy A. Chester, 41, of La Verne, both 12-year Los Angeles County Sheriff’s veterans; Sgt. Richard G. Romero, 39, El Centro, a 14-year veteran in Imperial County; and Mark Steven Tonkin, 31, Chino, a seven-year member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. San Diego and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments, the other participants in the program, had no one on board. The deputies who died were all experienced narcotics officers. Davis was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1987 for the rescue of a fellow officer from a brush fire. His wife, Sandy, and four children, ranging in age from 9 to 17 survive him. Thoughts and Memories of Michael Davis No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1988-10-24	Riverside County Sheriff’s Department	CA
Davis, Lawrence In Memory Of Lawrence Davis U.S. ATF, SC End of watch: 1956-01-17 Aircraft: unknown airplane United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Special Agent Lawrence E. Davis was killed while searching for stills from an aircraft. Thoughts and Memories of Lawrence Davis No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1956-01-17	U.S. ATF	SC

APSA Headquarters

BECOME A MEMBER!

THE HANGAR

Contact Us