Tim McClanahan, Lewes Fire Department, dies after fall from Delaware State Police helicopter
The Lewes Fire Department in Sussex County, Delaware has announced that the firefighter killed last (Monday) night in a fall from a Delaware State Police helicopter is Tim McClanahan, 46, a former 2nd assistant chief for the department. A press conference is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.
From the Lewes Fire Department Facebook page:
The Lewes Fire Department is saddened to announce the sudden loss of long time member Tim McClanahan during a training exercise with the the Delaware Air Rescue Team yesterday. A joint press conference with Delaware State Police is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today at our Station 2 located on the south side of the Nassau bridge. Service arrangements will be announced when finalized. Please keep the McClanahan family in your thoughts and prayers.
There is more about Tim McClanahan on the department’s website:
In the past, Tim has held the positions of 2nd Assistant Engineer, 2nd Assistant Chief, 3rd Assistant Chief, 4th Assistant Engineer, 6th Assistant Engineer, Captain 82-21, Marine Captain, Rescue Captain, Engine Captain, and Captain 82-26. Tim has been awarded the Fireman of the Year.
Delaware State Police Newsroom:
Update: State Police Investigates Fatal Fall From Helicopter
*Update-Name Released*
Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz
Georgetown- Delaware State Police has released the name of the volunteer firefighter who fell during training at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, as Tim McClanahan, 46 of Lewes.
The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police.
Released: 071216 0731
-End-
*Original Release*
State Police Investigates Fatal Fall From Helicopter
Georgetown- The preliminary investigation has determined at approximately 6:45 p.m. this evening, Monday July 11, 2016, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was conducting a routine training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team (DART) which is comprised of volunteer firefighters throughout the state and troopers assigned to the Aviation Unit. This incident occurred at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown.
During the training exercise a pilot and trooper medic were on board along with the two volunteer fire fighters. As one of the fire fighters stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter he fell from an undetermined height onto a grassy area below the aircraft. At that point the helicopter landed and the trooper medic and volunteer fire fighter on board as well as nearby volunteer fire fighters rushed over to the fallen victim and immediately rendered medical assistance.
Sussex County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the 46 year old male of Lewes to Beebe Healthcare where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. At this point the name of the fire fighter will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Released: 071116 2231
