Discussion, Pima County, Az, Helicopter down, 1/31/11

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PIMA COUNTY - Pima County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that civilian pilot Loren Leonberger was pronounced dead at the scene of the PCSO helicopter crash near Avra Valley.

A statement from Pima County Sheriff's Office reads:

"Mr. Leonberger spent his life serving his country flying helicopters for over forty years. In February 1969 he entered the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot from June 1970 thru June 1971 where he achieved the rank of Warrant Officer. Mr. Leonberger served as a pilot in the U.S. Army National Guard from January 1972 thru November 1991. In July 1978, he became an officer and a pilot with the AZ Department of Public Safety where he served for twenty years. In December 1998 he retired from the DPS Air Rescue Unit. Mr. Leonberger became a pilot with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in 1998 where he was employed until he joined the Pima County Sheriff's Department in November 2008.

"Mr. Leonberger leaves behind a wife and twelve siblings.

Rest in Peace.Truly an honorable career.

http://www.kvoa.com/news/pcso-confirms-pilot-killed-in-helicopter-crash/