| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2009 | |
| Honoree | |
| Charles Wayne Kirby | |
| Agency | |
| PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12 | |
| Agency City | |
| Bryan | |
| Agency State | |
| TX | |
| Last Call | |
| 6/8/08 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| Wayne knew that good deeds done without love were pointless, but those done out of love were seeds sewn for eternity. He gave his life serving the community he loved. He knew the dangers of his job, and never took it for granted. "He absolutely loved helping people in need, and had a high respect for the medical personnel; they were family," stated a co-worker.<br /> <br /> Charles Wayne Kirby, 63, died in the line of duty on June 8, 2008. He was the pilot taking part in a medical transport of a critically ill patient. The team departed Huntsville Medical Center en route to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Shortly after take-off, the helicopter crashed into the Sam Houston National Forest, killing the medical team and its patient.<br /> <br /> Pilot Kirby began his work with PHI Medical based out of Coulter Field in Bryan, Texas in 2007 and was with them for 32 years. He served in the United States Army in the Vietnam conflict, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Broken Wing Award. He was very proud of his 32 years of accident-free flying.<br /> <br /> Wayne was a much loved family man. He was known as a loving "Paw Paw" who spent hours planning family events. He enjoyed riding and tinkering with his Harley Davidson motorcycle, as well as hunting deer.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
