Grayback firefighters return to fire lines
A sign hangs in Merlin, Ore., in remembrance of the firefighters from southern Oregon who died in a helicopter crash. By Associated PressMERLIN, Ore. (AP) -- Smoke from the Northern California wildfires that killed seven of their own was still in the air over southwest Oregon as Grayback Forestry firefighters went back into the woods. "To not go back to work would be letting them down," said Jesse Russell, 25, of Cave Junction, before boarding a truck at Grayback's Merlin base. The Aug. 5 crash of a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter killed seven Grayback employees, one of two pilots and a U.S. Forest Service employee. Until Monday Grayback firefighters stood down to grieve and regroup. "The best tribute that our firefighters can give their fallen comrades is to go do the best job they can," said Grayback president Mike Wheelock. He said wildfires continue to burn. "They are well-trained and ready to go back to the lines," Wheelock said. Russell and the rest of his 20-person crew headed out to battle lightning-caused wildfires in Jackson and Josephine counties. They were among 120 Grayback firefighters returning to the fire lines. Two crews from Medford, where the seven were based, will take an additional week. "I feel great going back to work," said Russell, in his fifth season as a Grayback firefighter. "I'm real comfortable going with the people I'm with. We will get through it." "Staying focused is essential to being safe out there," he said as he climbed into the truck. "We need to stay focused." "It's time for us to get back to work," agreed Mark Lauber, 21, of Grants Pass. Crew boss Sean Hendrix, 38, a Cave Junction veteran of 20 fire seasons, said those who died would expect nothing less. "This is what we do we need to get back at it," said Hendrix. Every firefighter she spoke with wanted to return to the lines, said Grayback spokeswoman Kelli Matthews. "It's what they love," she said. "It's a testament to the bond they have with fellow firefighters. They said over and over that they each will have seven guardian angels on their shoulders."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. |
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