Bessemer Chimney Rescue

Bessemer Fire & Rescue

The following set is from when Bessemer Firefighters responded to assist the police with a person who was stuck in a chimney.

Thank you, Kenny, for sharing these pictures!

Air Evac Crash Kills 3

Updates below

Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter involved in accident

Air Evac Lifeteam release
December 30, 2007

An Air Evac Lifeteam air medical helicopter, based in Muscle Shoals, Ala., was involved in an accident around 3:05 a.m. this morning, killing all three crew members aboard the aircraft.

“This is a tragic day for us here at Air Evac Lifeteam,” said Air Evac Lifeteam President and CEO Colin Collins. “These were our family members and we are devastated at this loss. Our focus at this time is on providing support for the family and friends of these crew members.”

The crew was dispatched about 1:32 a.m. to assist Colbert County law enforcement officials who were involved in a search for a hunter who had gotten lost in a wooded area south of Barton in Colbert County. The aircraft went down near Mount Mills Road.

The names of the crew members are not being released pending notification of next-of-kin.

At this time, the cause of the accident is unknown. Officials with the FAA have been notified and will begin their formal investigation.

Air Evac Lifeteam, operated by Air Evac EMS, Inc., is the largest independently owned air medical provider in the United States. The company operates 75 bases in 12 states throughout the central United States. The Muscle Shoals base has been in operation since May 2001.

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Update:

Emergency officials identified the victims as Allan Bragwell and Tiffany Miles, both of Florence and pilot Michael Baker of Florida. Their ages were not immediately available.

Visitation for Allan Bragwell is planned for Wednesday, January 2, from 1600-2100hrs at Greenview Funeral Home at 3657 Old Chisholm Road in Florence. Their phone number is (256) 764-2411. Funeral is scheduled for Thursday, January 3, at 1300 hours at Underwood Baptist Church in Florence. The church is located at 5091 Highway 157. The church's number is (256) 766-4838.

Visitation for Tiffany Miles is planned for Thursday, January 3, from 1600-2100hrs at Greenview Funeral Home at 3657 Old Chisholm Road in Florence. Their phone number is (256) 764-2411. Funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 4, at 1400 hours at Woodmont Church in Florence.

Memorial Fund:

Air Evac 16 Memorial Fund
Bank Independent
PO Box 5000
Sheffield, Alabama 35660

Please remember the crew and their families in your prayers.