| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 1998 | |
| Honoree | |
| Peter A Abplanalp | |
| Agency | |
| AirLife-Denver | |
| Agency City | |
| Aurora | |
| Agency State | |
| CO | |
| Last Call | |
| 12/14/97 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| On the right of December 14, 1997, just after lifting off from the scene of a major accident, Pete's helicopter struck electrical wires and crashed to the ground. He was evacuating a driver critically injured in a head-on collision. All members of the crew and the patient were killed in the crash.<br /> <br /> "Pete was somebody I'd have no hesitations to fly with" said KOA radio traffic pilot Al Verley, who flew with him in the Wyoming Army Guard. Friends said the 50-year-old pilot was a great teacher, a loyal friend, and a man always willing to help.<br /> <br /> Pete was a helicopter pilot for 20 years with the National Guard. He had served many years of active duty flying medevac missions in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He won a long list of medals for his service, including the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal and a Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze stars.<br /> <br /> Pete came to AirLife 18 months ago after a long career as a civil engineer, pursuing his life-long love of flying. He is survived by his wife, Coleen, who lives in Thornton, Colorado.<br /> <br /> Honored 1998 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
