| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2003 | |
| Honoree | |
| William R Spence | |
| Agency | |
| University Medevac of Pittsburgh | |
| Agency City | |
| Pittsburgh | |
| Agency State | |
| PA | |
| Last Call | |
| 1/18/02 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| He took what he had learned in life very seriously. When he was younger he had worked hard to become an Eagle Scout and based everything he did on the merit of that award. He took safety just as serious, his children thought that the car would not start until they had buckled their safety belts. He was proudest when he was able to help in the safety and caring of others.<br /> <br /> William R. Spence, 51, of Marshville, Ohio, lost his life on January 18, 2002 in the crash of a medical BK-117 helicopter. The Chippewa Township pilot was taking off en route to pick up a patient at Lake West Hospital for a transfer to Cleveland Clinic. Upon lift off, the copter veered to the right, clipping a tower, sending it crashing to the ground where it exploded in a hospital courtyard below.<br /> <br /> Mr. Spence was an employee of CJ Systems Aviation Group of Pittsburgh that flew for University MedEvac on a regular basis. Bill had worked as a Med Flight pilot based out of Lodi before joining MedEvac about three months ago. It was a life-long dream for Spence to fly helicopters. "He wanted to fly choppers," Mayor Kerr said, describing his friend's background in flying helicopters in the military and reserves. "Bill had always wanted to fly MedEvac missions because he felt that saving a life was a noble goal and mission," stated another friend. All his friends agreed on one thing, that their friend was humble, a true gentleman that would be missed.<br /> <br /> Honored 2003 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
