Ronnie Chambless - Firefighting in Nevada

Civilian Pilot Ronnie Chambless, age 40, of Boise, Idaho, died on June 3, 2012, while firefighting in Nevada.

He and Captain Todd Tompkins were flying a Lockheed Martin P2V aircraft, dumping fire retardant on the 5,000 acre White Rock Fire which was sparked by lightning in eastern Nevada. On the second run of the day, they were nearing the wildfire when they crashed in the Hamlin Valley area of Iron County, Utah, near the Utah-Nevada border. It was estimated that the aircraft held approximately 1,600 gallons of fuel and 2,000 gallons of fire retardant. Both men died at the scene of the crash. 

Father, place Ronnie on
the Stairway to Heaven.

Ronnie Chambless had been flying for eight years. 

Friends describe Ronnie as a good kid and a bundle of energy, who loved to fly. 

Ronnie is survived by many loving friends and relatives. 

Pray for all who die while doing their jobs. 

Let us pray that Ronnie Chambless is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.