County Of Los Angeles Fire Department Serves With
Distinction
Helicopter Association International announced Monday the
recipient of this year's Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Award -- the
County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Air Operations Section,
based in Pacoima, CA.
The Los Angeles County terrain can be as diverse as the rugged
San Gabriel Mountains, the vast high desert of the Antelope Valley,
the islands of Catalina and San Clemente, and the expansive
coastline and scenic beaches that make up the greater Los Angeles
area. During the fall and winter months, the department routinely
battles the destructive wind-driven "Santa Ana" wildfires that push
down from the high-desert area to the coastline. The unit has
pioneered the use of helicopters in wildland firefighting and is
still a leader today in the use of aircraft in urban areas.
In 2006, the department battled 405 wildfires and dropped nearly
two million gallons of water and retardent. In addition to their
expertise in firefighting, the department has been a major player
in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations since 1967. In 2006,
they transported more than 1,222 patients, performed more than 30
hoist rescues, and flew just over 15,000 passengers.
August 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the Air Operations
Section of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. From their
humble beginnings with a single Bell 47 to the present day fleet of
three Sikorsky S-70 Firehawks, six Bell 412s, and a Bell 206
JetRanger, the Air Operations Section has been serving the citizens
of Los Angeles County with pride. During that time, the unit has
flown well over 100,000 hours in support of operations in and
around the Southern California area. With more than 4,600 personnel
and 179 fire stations, the department is the largest county fire
department in the United States, and its population base of 11
million makes Los Angeles County one of the most populated regions
in the country.
To ensure safety, pilots work
closely with firefighters and paramedic crews. Chief Anthony
Marrone credits the staff for the section’s safety
record.
"We have a great group of dedicated pilots, firefighters,
paramedics, and mechanics, that is why we have one of the safest
operations in North America," said Marrone.
HAI congratulates the dedicated men and women of the Air
Operations Section as they continue to save lives, protect
property, battle wildfires, and provide outstanding service for the
next 50 years.
All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2008’s annual
"Salute to Excellence" Awards Banquet on February 25, 2008 in
Houston, TX.