Download the Remembrance Book (PDF) - The National Fallen ...

Remembering
Terry W. Jacobs
Heavy Lift Helicopters, Inc.,
USDA Forest Service Contractor — California
Classification: Career
Rank: Pilot
Date of Death: August 4, 2006
Age: 58
Terry Jacobs died in a helicopter
crash while fighting the Titus
Fire in the Happy Camp Complex
in California. His co-pilot also
died in the crash.
“Jake” became a licensed pilot
at age 17 and had logged
thousands of hours of flight
time. He had several certifications
to fly different
types of aircraft, but flying
the “Skycrane” (a Sikorsky
helicopter used for water
drops on wildfires) was
his favorite. Never married
and with no children,
he dedicated his life to flying
helicopters and fighting
wildfires across the United
States. He was known as a
skilled and careful pilot.
A Vietnam veteran, he did two backto-back
tours as a medevac pilot
for Special Ops. After completing
his military service, he
received a degree in aeronautical
engineering from
Purdue University.
In 1998, Jake quit flying
for several years and
went home to care for
his mother. After her
death, he returned to flying.
He was survived by
his fiancée, two sisters, a
brother, and his nephews
and nieces.
He was a good, generous
person, a hero. He saved
people’s lives.
Don’t waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you,
well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best
preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson