SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A retired California Highway Patrol officer celebrated for his bravery during one of California’s deadliest wildfires is now fighting to recover after a helicopter crash near Sacramento.
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Retired CHP Officer Chad Millward, who spent nearly 28 years with the agency, was piloting a REACH Air Medical helicopter that went down on Oct. 6 along Highway 50. Millward and paramedic Margaret “Dede” Davis survived the crash and are recovering. Flight nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith was pulled from the wreckage in critical condition but has since died from her injuries, REACH Air Medical Services announced on Oct. 11.
Millward’s service with the CHP was marked by acts of courage and compassion. In 2017, he and three fellow officers from the Golden Gate Division rescued 41 people trapped by the Atlas Fire in Napa County, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, ABC 10 reports. The officers received the Governor’s Public Safety Medal of Valor.
“During his nearly 28-year distinguished career with the CHP, Officer Millward demonstrated courage and selflessness, earning the Governor’s Public Safety Medal of Valor for his heroic life-saving actions during the 2017 Atlas Fire,” the CHP said in a statement obtained by ABC 10. “His service and commitment to protecting others serve as a testament to the highest ideals of this department.”
In a 2018 interview with KRCR, Millward reflected on that harrowing night, recalling how he and his partner saved 15 of the 41 people rescued.
“Most of the people were trapped on Atlas Peak and they couldn’t get out,” he said. “One person that really stands out is a lady who was eight months pregnant, and we were able to get her out. We’ve since learned that she delivered a healthy baby.”
He said the recognition that followed wasn’t what motivated him to serve.
“We are grateful that we received the award and that is a nice honor, but that’s not why we do the job,” Millward said.
Millward, who spent much of his career saving others, is now among those recovering.
The helicopter crashed shortly after departing a hospital, following what officials described as an “in-air emergency,” the Associated Press reported. It came to rest in the center of the highway around 7 p.m. on Oct. 6.
Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis told the Associated Press that about 15 motorists stopped to help firefighters raise part of the aircraft to rescue a trapped crew member. Vandersluis said he directed the bystanders to “lift” and “hold” while firefighters worked to free the person.
“Just out of instinct — the people were there willing to help, and they didn’t hesitate and followed my exact commands,” Vandersluis told the AP. “And we were able to lift it up with ease.”
Pilot Millward, Paramedic Davis and Nurse Smith were all transported to area hospitals in critical condition following the crash. No one on the highway was injured.
“It’s mind-blowing that no one on the highway was injured,” Capt. Justin Sylvia with the Sacramento Fire Department told the AP.
The CHP expressed gratitude to the good Samaritans and first responders who rushed to help after the crash.
“Their quick and compassionate actions embody the very best of our community,” the agency said.
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