WINSTON, Ore. — A 22-year fire service veteran died Sunday after his plane was involved in a crash.
KPIC reported that Capt. Thomas R. Weiss was piloting a private plane in Nevada when authorities received calls of a crash involving two planes. Both pilots were killed.
Capt. Weiss had served the past 12 years as captain/paramedic with the Winston-Dillard Fire Department. Officials said he had a passion for flying had has been flying planes for more than 34 years, according to the report.
During his off-duty time, he flew a spotter plane for the Douglas Forest Protection Association for the past three fire seasons.
“This is a tragic loss to the entire central Douglas County Fire Service,” said Fire Chief Greg Marlar. “Tom was a professional that gave 110% of himself to his profession and the community he served. I have some sense of comfort knowing that Tom was doing one of the things he loved most.”
Fire district personnel are assisting the family with services, which are planned for Sunday, October 19, according to the report. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Tom Weiss Memorial Scholarship fund at the Winston Dillard Fire District.
The FAA and NTSB responded and will be conducting an accident investigation, which is ongoing, according to the report.