“Attention all stations, please switch to tac channel for announcement.” There was a beautiful sunrise on Aug. 21, and FireFlight Director of Operations and Maintenance and Pilot Todd Whaley buzzed around the hangar making sure everything was ready for the final flight of 2968 and the onboarding of 9171. The elder FireFlight, circa 1998, provided 22 years of service to Flagler County. “It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend,” Whaley said. “This is a bittersweet day because she’s served us well, but we look forward to the next chapter with our new state-of-the-art helicopter.” ‘FireFlight 2968 and 9171 standby’ FireFlight 9171 is an Airbus Helicopters H125 with the latest technology and safety features including dual hydraulics, a crash resistant fuel tank, upgraded with a stronger engine package with redundant systems that provide an additional 75 shaft horsepower. “These enhancements give the FireFlight pilots a higher power margin for safety and error when performing the complex and highly technical task of Bambi Bucket wildland fire suppression operations,” Whaley said. It is a critical point for Flagler County, which made the decision to purchase 2968 in the aftermath of the 1998 wildfires—the first time in US history that an entire county was evacuated due to wildfire. During those fires 71 homes were destroyed, and another 175 homes were damaged. Not a single occupied dwelling in Flagler County has been lost due to wildfire since the acquisition of FireFlight. It was instrumental in keeping the massive wildfire events during 2007 and 2011 at bay. ‘FireFlight: Flight of two departing Flagler Executive Airport’ Dispatch then called out statistics: “FireFlight 2968 has served the citizens of Flagler County since 2002. During its tenure it has transported nearly 800 trauma alerts and inter facilities. It has returned nearly $3.8 million back into the county fund. (There have been) over 850 fire suppression missions, dropping nearly 2.1 million gallons of water. Nearly 10,000 bucket drops. It has responded to over 750 law enforcement calls for service. (It has conducted) over 280 search-and-rescue flights, and nearly 500 community outreach events.” There have been story-worthy highlights over the years. Here are just a couple of examples. This past June, it was happenstance that FireFlight ended up in northwest Flagler County near the St. Johns border and spotted a fire in the habited portion of Flagler Estates that had yet to be reported. Chief Pilot Neil Egerton, who was testing one the county’s 210-gallon Bambi Buckets, notified the neighboring county and stayed to help the St. Johns County Fire Department get the fire under control. Egerton said the fire was tall and climbing. Flagler Estates is rural and situated in a heavily wooded area. He dropped 19 buckets—or 3,990 gal. of water—as well as 8 gal. of fire-suppressing foam due to the severity of structure involvement. “This could have turned out very badly if left unattended,” Egerton said. In March 2022, Whaley and Flight Medic Frank Mesta rescued four boaters from Pellicer Creek, including two in their 80s, as daylight was waning and a thunderstorm was fast-approaching. Whaley and Mesta were in agreement that a helicopter evacuation would be the quickest and safest action. The FireFlight team had already identified a landing area. They asked the boat rental employee to bring the elderly couple to a mud bank about 100 yards away. It took three trips to transport the four boaters to the accessible field. And, there’s always the “get ‘em while they’re small” philosophy that applies to both fires and public outreach. In 2021, Whaley visited schools with FireFlight on more than one occasion to make a twofold impression: the nimble aircraft can do a number of things, including dousing brushfires before they become newsworthy wildfires, and that being a helicopter pilot and mechanic is an awesome job. “There is a shortage of helicopter pilots and mechanics. I think it’s because young people aren’t exposed to what they can do,” Whaley said. “This is the time to make an impression on them—plant that seed. I still remember my first plane ride when I was 5 years old like it was yesterday. I wasn’t on my first helicopter until my 20s when I was in the military (Navy), and the experience changed my whole career outlook.” Whaley demonstrated for the students how to use FireFlight’s 210-gallon “Bambi Bucket” to scoop water out of the pond in front of the school and moments later release its impressive payload. The added benefit of demonstrations for the pilots is that it provides an extra opportunity to practice, which keeps their skills sharp. “It’s important to understand that we may put out six or eight little fires that no one (public) really knows about, but it’s preventing those big fires that threaten property and structures,” Whaley said. “Depending on the conditions (such as drought index), we may do reconnaissance once or twice a day so we can get ‘em while their small.” “As a new day begins for Flagler County Fire Rescue, FireFlight 9171 now has the watch.” “I announce to all that FireFlight 2968 has served the county well.” “FireFlight 2968: You are cleared to go out of service.” “Fair winds and farewell!” Hi, I'm yesandagency
