Annual Report 2009 - Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department

H. Thomas Guerry Awards
Award for Valor
Sergeant Gregg Weitzman, Senior Deputy Jon Simon, Senior Deputy Dave Wight, Detective Adam Reichick and other members of
the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit, were among the first responders to the disastrous Tea Fire. In this capacity, they and
other members of the Unit flew under extremely hazardous conditions in order to save life and property by dropping water on the
raging fire.
Sgt. Weitzman
Sr. Deputy Simon
In the early evening of November 13, 2008, what started as a small fire in the foothills above Montecito quickly erupted into an
inferno that, at its conclusion, consumed 210 residences in the City of Santa Barbara and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara
County. The Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department Helicopter personnel performed numerous heroic water drops that night in support
of ground-based fire crews battling this wind driven fire. Early on, they coordinated their responsibilities and evaluated the
risks involved in fighting this rapidly growing fire from the air. Due to its brutal intensity, the proximity to inhabited dwellings, and
the need to provide fire personnel with strategic air support, it was evident that nighttime water drops - a first for Santa Barbara
County Air Support - were necessary.
Relying on their training and experience, these aviators courageously flew their helicopters in hazardous high wind conditions
navigating through darkness and smoke utilizing night vision goggles. As entire residential blocks were consumed by the intense,
wind-driven fire these brave men continued to fight the fire until gusts of up to 75 mph forced them to suspend operations. When
it was deemed safe to resume, they again launched their aircraft and made numerous additional water drops - 84 in all.
Each of these deputies and firefighters demonstrated courage and devotion to duty in the face of great danger. Their actions
saved lives and property, and provided a layer of protection for ground personnel committed to evacuating residents and battling
the flames. Even with the knowledge of the great risks and danger ahead of them, not one of them hesitated to climb into their
helicopters to complete their mission.
For their extraordinary bravery and commitment to the safety of the residents of Santa Barbara County, these members of the
Santa Barbara County Air Support were awarded the H. Thomas Guerry award for Valor by the Santa Barbara Citizen’s Council on
Crime.
Sr. Deputy Wight
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INTEGRITY ~ CARING ~ COURAGE ~ FAIRNESS ~ SERVICE