metrofire

On October 7, 2006 Sacramento County Metro Fire landed their Bell "Huey" UH-1 helicopter in a
pasture at Merv's (WA6LYE) place just North of Placerville to "show and tell". Let me back up a bit
here, a couple weeks earlier the helecopter developed a problem and had to land in the same pasture
to effect repairs so they could continue to fight a fire a few miles East of the property. Merv supplied a
few tools, the crew fixed the problem and returned to fight the fire. The crew was so greatful that Merv
was able to help they decided to bring the chopper to the property for a show and tell. Merv was
presented with a letter of appreciation from the fire Chief and a picture of the crew standing near the
chopper along with some hats and t-shirts. We had a million questions for the crew of 4 and I'm sure
we drove them nuts but they were very nice. Merv's wife Martha served up some delicious goodies
like cookies and lemon-aid, and home-made apple pies, she also had some fresh vegetables from the
garden for the crew to take back with them. A few family members and friends showed up for the
excitement and before you know it, it was time for the crew to leave, they only intended to stay for a
few minutes but ended up staying for an hour and a half! Thanks guys!

I was able take a few pictures during their stay as friends and family members posed and climbed in
and out of the chopper. I think my grandson got a huge kick out of it when he found out he could
climb up inside.

The pics start off with them circling around then landing, of course they had to sound the sirens too...
The crew climbed out and we were able to approach the chopper (after the blades stopped obviously).
As the crew got back into the chopper and fired it back up (pun intended), they lifted off, but not
before circling around, dropping down in the canyon and flying right over our heads as they departed
the area and went back to their base at the former McClellan Air Force Base.

Click a picture to see a larger view.