Line Of Duty Death - Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Paramedic Killed During Mission - Officer Bruce Harrolle
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Division crest emblazoned on one of their "Ranger" helicopters.
I have been spending a lot of time in the field and also in something of a funk so I have not posted recently but there is nothing like reality and a stark reminder of my own blessings and good fortune to jerk me back into the correct frame of mind.
If you have read my biography you know that I spent a good deal of my search and rescue career in public safety helicopters. Much of that time was with the Arizona Department of Public Safety or DPS. In fact, my first helicopter safety training, helo-rappel, long line, skid ride, one skid, no skid etcetera, etcetera were all done on a DPS Bell 206L3. Over the years I was privileged to train and work with them many times. Always first rate, professionals doing outstanding work and a great bunch of guys to boot.
Upon returning home this morning I learned that Officer/Air Rescue Paramedic Bruce Harrolle was killed during a search and rescue mission involving two dehydrated hikers outside of Sedona, Arizona.
I did not know Bruce well but I did work with him a few times. Just another run of the mill khaki colored DPS guy which is to say that he was a cut above the rest of us. In fact, I have never worked with one of our state troopers that I didn't like instantly and that goes double for the grumpy old pilots that chewed my a** a few times. There is a saying about helicopters that says crashes are not a question of if but when. Sooner or later, I guess, you spend enough time around them and it will happen to you or someone you know. This time it is a little too close to home. While Officer Harrolle was based out of Flagstaff, he lived with his wife and two children in Mesa.
My deepest sympathies and best wishes go out to his family, the DPS organization and especially the Air Rescue crews.
This website is dedicated to those that can't or won't turn back. Men like Officer Harrolle and his crew mates at Air Rescue. One of the things I prided myself on during my SAR career was that I never questioned the call or judged the people I was dispatched to assist. The pager went off or the radio call came in and I responded. Period. Now that I have been out of the business a while my views are a little more discriminating so I will just say it. I hope the people Bruce Harrolle rescued are worthy of his sacrifice and our loss.
Officer/Air Rescue Paramedic Bruce Harrolle (left) at a recent Water Rescue Rodeo. I was ribbing him about how his harness fit while explaining how much sexier it was to wear the harness on the inside of the flight suit like I did.
We lost a hero yesterday folks but there are many more walking around out there. Take the time and make an effort to seek them out. Thank them. Support them. Before you need their help. Before it is too late.
Here's to Bruce and the Air Rescue family.
...this we do that others may live.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Posted by Wade Nelson at Tuesday, October 14. 2008 
Categories: Search And Rescue, Catch All
Tags: office bruce harrolle arizona department of public safety air rescue
Categories: Search And Rescue, Catch All
Tags: office bruce harrolle arizona department of public safety air rescue
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