| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2009 | |
| Honoree | |
| Arthur Gotisar | |
| Agency | |
| Reach Air Medical Services | |
| Agency City | |
| Santa Rosa | |
| Agency State | |
| CA | |
| Last Call | |
| 12/23/03 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| "Art, among your many contributions, most of the medical crew has been touched by your wisdom and support. I will miss your subtle comments and sarcasm from the front' of the aircraft. I always loved flying with you and felt so completely safe with you; Godspeed, my friend," stated Sean Russell, REACH director of Clinical Operations.<br /> <br /> Art Gotisar, 48, died in the line of duty on December 23, 2003 during an air medical transport. After leaving Santa Rosa, California, he encountered heavy rain and one of the crew members radioed that they were turning around and heading back to Ukiah. The crash occurred shortly thereafter, with the helicopter going down in mountainous Reeves Canyon in Redwood Valley.<br /> <br /> Pilot Gotisar had been employed with REACH for five years, formerly serving with the United States Coast Guard. Art logged over 15,000 hours of flying time.<br /> <br /> "He loved flying and loved living on the water. He lived an exciting and fulfilling life. His motto was to live for the moment," stated Jennie Hind, a friend. He was an experienced pilot who loved the work that he did. "This was one of our best crews," stated REACH representative McDonald, "the three who perished were truly heroes."<br /> <br /> Honored 2009 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
