| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2007 | |
| Honoree | |
| Stephen Moore Smith | |
| Agency | |
| Airlift Northwest | |
| Agency City | |
| Seattle | |
| Agency State | |
| WA | |
| Last Call | |
| 9/29/05 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| "What unites our hearts is the knowledge that those we loved were doing what they loved to do. They had a sense of higher calling and purpose for their lives, and they represented the best of the human spirit." This was a statement given by Norma Smith, wife of EMS Pilot Steve Smith. For more than two decades Steve served critically injured and ill patients in Washington State. He had flown helicopters as part of the live-saving mission since his service in Viet Nam as a Marine helicopter pilot. His highest priority professionally was the safety of his crew and the patients they transported.<br /> <br /> Steve and two flight nurses were killed on September 29, 2005 in a tragic accident. They had transported a critically ill patient to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and were returning to their base in Arlington on a routine flight. Above 800 feet in a climbing left turn, there was an unknown catastrophic event that caused the helicopter to plummet into the dark waters of the Puget Sound. All aboard lost their lives.<br /> <br /> Fred W. Riebe III, a colleague of Steve's, said, "I knew Steve to be a consummate, skilled professional aviator. He was well respected in our profession by his peers and our superiors. He was a genuine, caring, strong man as well; strong in character, faith and in content that instilled belief and trust in his judgment, both in the air and on the ground. Steve was a careful practitioner of his craft and garnered the confidence and trust of the nurse flight crews and the EMS community. He was a born leader and gained great wisdom through thirty some years in aviation. He was a mentor; a great and close friend who I miss today as much as ever."<br /> <br /> Steve and Norma lived on Whidbey Island. Their marriage was a 34-year love affair. He was a wonderful father, who delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Steve was deeply respected and loved, having invested in the lives of many, including hundreds of college and career age youth that participated in the Bible studies he and Norma led over the years.<br /> <br /> Steve had been with Airlift Northwest since 1988. He had accumulated over 8100 hours of flight time. He also served his nation in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. . "Steve was a patriot and a hero; he was one of the best," stated Larry Pictropaulo, CJSystems President. "It's your worst nightmare, losing a flight team," he stated. "Steve was good, really dedicated to his job; it is a great loss."<br /> <br /> Honored 2007 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
