Honorees

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Year Honored
2008
Honoree
Vince L Kirol
Agency
Benefis Healthcare Mercy Flight
Agency City
Great Falls
Agency State
MT
Last Call
2/6/07
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
Vince had great faith; he stated that when you fly so close to the heavens, you are one with the skies. Even though Vince lost his life falling from the skies his faith was always with him, and those close to him know it was a comfort when he knew death was near.<br /> <br /> Vince Leo Kirol, 58, of Great Falls, Montana, died in the line of duty on February 6, 2007. He was the pilot flying on a medical mission, and part of a three-person team en route for a patient transport. The plane he was piloting slammed into the mountainside due to "dark night meteorological conditions.".<br /> <br /> Pilot Kirol had been flying for 40 years. He has been an air ambulance pilot for 13 years and a Mercy Flight Fixed Wing pilot for 12 years. "Vince Kirol, with all his service has left a footprint on Montana," stated Senator Baucas. "He ordered flags to be flown at half staff in honor of the team.<br /> <br /> Vince loved music, his faith, and flying. He liked being part of a team that helped people. But most of all he Vince loved laughter, saying "you know people are happy when they laugh.".<br /> <br /> The Vince Kirol Memorial Award was designed in his honor. This award will go towards an aero-medical pilot who demonstrates outstanding service to an air-ambulance-based facility, community and professional.<br /> <br /> Honored 2008