GOODMAN, Ala. — Hundreds of first responders gathered in Alabama to pay tribute to the three crew members of Haynes Air Ambulance killed in a medical helicopter crash Saturday.
The Dothan Eagle reported paramedics, police officers, firefighters and support personnel covered their badges with black bands to honor Metro Aviation rotor wing pilot Chad Hammond, 29, Haynes Ambulance critical care nurse Stasi Cernadas, 38, Haynes Ambulance critical care medic Jason Snipes, 35, and patient Zachary Strickland, 27.
Cory Pittman, a flight instructor who worked with many Haynes crew members, said Snipes saw his work as a calling.
“He said ‘I’m not a hero. God does His work through my hands,’” Pittman said.
Pittman also spoke about Cernadas, saying her intellect made her stand out and that he had spoken with her about becoming an instructor.
“She was brilliant, knowledgeable. She knew her job,” Pittman said.
Friends described Hammond as a loving father and husband who was an accomplished instructor pilot before becoming a pilot for Haynes Life Flight.
Three flags were flown at half-staff on Thursday in honor of the crew.