Incident Name:
Date: Mar 6, 2015, 09:00 hrs
Personnel: Jerold “Jerry” Bonner
Age: 72
Agency/Organization: CAL FIRE
Position: aerial firefighter, helicopter pilot
Summary: While on duty at Alma Helitack Base in Santa Clara County, California, Pilot Bonner was found deceased inside his barracks from a heart attack. His death was unrelated to the UH 1H Super Huey helicopter he flew for CAL FIRE for 16 years. He was also a Navy veteran.
Thanks to Jerry for his service. Ab.
Incident Location: Alma Helitack Base, Santa Clara County, CA (U.S. National Grid: 10S EG 8947 1569)
{mosmap lat=’37.18357’|lon=’-121.9906’|marker=’0’|text=’Alma Helitack Base, Santa Clara County, CA’}
Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- CAL FIRE: Line of Duty DeathWe are saddened to report the passing of CAL FIRE Pilot Jerold “Jerry” Bonner. Jerry, 72, of Helendale, was found deceased inside his barracks on Friday while on duty at our Alma Helitack Base in Santa Clara County. It has been determined that he died of heart related natural causes. Jerry served with CAL FIRE as a helicopter pilot for nearly 16 years and was a U.S. Navy veteran. In honor of Pilot Bonner, Governor Brown has ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff. Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to his family and his crew as they grieve this tragic loss.
- USFA Memorial Database: Jerald “Jerry” Bonner
Wildlandfire.com Links:
- Hotlist Forum: 3/10/2015 CA-SCU Helicopter pilot passes away
- Information on CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack Base (pdf)
- Information on CAL FIRE’s fire helicopter and fixed wing program (pdf)
- Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Forestry Fire Pilot3-8-2015
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Pilot Jerold “Jerry” Bonner:
“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the death of CAL FIRE Forestry Fire Pilot Jerry Bonner. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers as they deal with their loss.”
Pilot Bonner, 72, of Helendale, was found deceased inside his barracks on Friday while on duty at CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack Base.
Pilot Bonner served with CAL FIRE as a helicopter pilot for nearly 16 years and was a U.S. Navy veteran.
He is survived by wife Emma Bonner, son Christian Bonner, daughter Liza Weber and son-in-law Darren Weber, granddaughter Maisy Weber, his sister Nancy Bonner-Benson and stepdaughter Billie Herndon, stepsons Kirk Kervin and Anthony Kervin and stepdaughter Jonnie Meinger.
In honor of Pilot Bonner, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
Contributors to this article: rjm,
Please support the Wildland Firefighter Foundation
