LODD: FF Killed in Med Heli Crash

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Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of FF James Archer,58, from the Wren Vol FD in Mississippi.

Mississippi Fire Department Mourns Loss Of Founding Member, Firefighter Killed In Medical Helicopter Crash

 

INEZ FORD

Firehouse.com News

Firefighter James Archer, 58, of the Wren Volunteer Fire Department, was killed on Wednesday, January 5, when his helicopter air ambulance crashed. He was transporting a patient to the hospital while working as a pilot for Air Methods Corporation.

According to Wren Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Alan Haney, Firefighter Archer was “loading a patient onto the air ambulance when the stretcher hit the chin bubble of the helicopter.†The patient was taken off-loaded and transported to the hospital by ambulance, and a mechanic came and repaired the helicopter. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Firefighter Archer took lifted off the en route to his home base. His helicopter crashed a few minutes later. 

Asst. Chief Haney said “The mechanic repaired the damage to the helicopter, and it shouldn’t have played a role in the crash.†The cause of the crash is still under investigation. 

Members of the Wren Volunteer Fire Department were shocked to hear the news of the death of one of their founding members. During his 26-year tenure with the department, Archer served as a board member, and as treasurer of the department. He was also instrumental in having two trucks donated to the department from the Burlington Northern Railway, and in securing a donation of an ambulance from The Mississippi Medical Center. Asst. Chief Haney remembered Firefighter Archer fondly. “James was a huge part of our fire department, and he will be severely missed.†

Firefighter Archer was buried on Sunday, January 9. The Wren Volunteer Fire Department members served as pallbearers. The North Mississippi Medical Center and the Nettleton, MSFD furnished an Honor Guard. A flyover was done by Air Methods Corporation. 

Firefighter Archer is survived by his wife Marcia, daughter Leigh Anne, and his granddaughter. 

North Mississippi Medical Center has established the James Archer Memorial Fund at Bancorp South, 1 Mississippi Plaza, Tupelo, MS 38804. Gifts may be made at any branch of Bancorp South and will be given to the family.