STATEMENT FROM STEVE RUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTERS PILOTS ASSOCATION (PHPA), A COUNCIL OF OPEIU, ON THE LOSS OF ORNGE AIR AMBULANCE PILOTS AND MEDICAL CREW

The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association (PHPA), a council of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), today is mourning the tragic loss of our members and friends Captain Don Filliter and First Officer Jacques Dupuy, and Flight Paramedics Dustin Dagenais and Chris Snowball (members of CAW Local 2002), who were killed today when their Ornge air ambulance S76 helicopter went down en route from Moosonee to Attawapiskat in Northern Ontario.

While the cause is still unknown, today’s accident underscores the very real dangers that even experienced helicopter pilots like Don and Jacques face every day in the service of others.  OPEIU offers our deepest condolences to the families of these very brave and selfless members who gave their lives today while trying to save others.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, and we offer our full support and cooperation in the investigation of the accident. 

PHPA has been in touch with Ornge and is making available its own accident investigators ``for assistance in the investigation.