From Gallatin SAR: Tom Duffy, the helicopter pilot killed Monday while fighting a fire in Oregon, will arrive at the airport tomorrow and be escorted to Dahl Funeral Home by members of his family, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County Search and Rescue, US Forest Service, and Hyalite Fire Department. The aircraft bringing him home will tentatively land between 2:00 and 2:30 pm. The procession route will start at the Central Helicopter hanger then proceed to Airport Road, the Frontage Road to N. 7th, then get on I-90 eastbound to E Main, to Highland Blvd, to Dahl. The public is encouraged to pay their respects during this time.
Also from Gallatin SAR:It is with great sadness that Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announces that Tom Duffy, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter pilot, was killed in a firefighting accident in Oregon Monday. He was conducting bucket drops on the White Fire to help firefighters battle the blaze, which was burning in rough terrain in Mt Hood National Forest.
Tom is the third generation of the Duffy family to fly rescue missions for SAR. He has flown SAR rescue missions for 20 years and his most recent missions was on Aug 15, when he flew 3 times for the GCSAR helicopter team. Tom was a world-class rescue pilot who instilled confidence in SAR volunteers on every mission. He was a big man with a big heart who brought calm and skill to every mission.
When God opened a door, Tom walked through it, which led him to many adventures and skills. In addition to flying, he was a husband, father, business owner, and church member. He went big in everything he did and will be deeply missed in the GCSAR community and beyond.
