On the night of July 24, 1977, while supporting firefighting operations on the Middle Fire, a 3,800-acre wildfire in the Angeles National Forest, Thomas Grady was tragically killed in the line of duty. During a nighttime landing at Mill Creek Heliport, the Bell 205 helicopter he was piloting collided mid-air with a U.S. Forest Service Bell 212. The accident seriously injured his co-pilot, Theodore Hellmers, and the two pilots of the other aircraft.

Thomas Grady proudly served his country with the United States Army before continuing his career in aviation with Air America, Inc. From May 29, 1968, to June 30, 1975, he worked as a rotary-wing aircraft pilot based out of Saigon, South Vietnam.

Following his service overseas, Grady returned home and became a dedicated helicopter pilot for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Thomas P. Grady gave his life in service to others. He is remembered for his bravery, commitment, and sacrifice.

Firefighter Lockhart passed away on April 17, 1976 a the age of 47.

Firefighter Nansel passed away on February 16, 1975, at the age of 55.

Firefigthter Paramedic Schnabel, age 29, sustained fatal injuries in the line of duty while engaged in an interior fire attack at the National Lumber Yard fire in Bellflower April 24, 1972.

On June 21, 1968, Fire Captain Phil Goodell of the Los Angeles County Fire Department was assigned to the “Liebre Fire” burning in the Castaic area of Los Angeles County, California. When flames overran Engine 382 on a power-line access road, the crew took shelter beneath the apparatus. Captain Goodell stood between them and the advancing fire, courageously manning a hose line in an effort to shield them. He was ultimately overtaken by the flames and suffered fatal burn injuries. Captain Goodell gave his life to protect his crew, who sustained burns but survived.