NEWS RELEASE

USDA Forest Service ● Shasta-Trinity National Forest ● Public Affairs & Communications

3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA 96002 ● Voice (530) 226-2500 ● Web: www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity

For Immediate Release Contact: Mike Ferris (208) 559-5367

August 11, 2008

Celebration Scheduled to Honor Fallen Firefighter James Ramage

REDDING, Calif. – A celebration honoring James (Jim) N. Ramage, a U.S. Forest Service helicopter pilot, who recently died in the Buckhorn Fire helicopter accident, has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16 at the Redding Convention Center in Redding, California.

The event will celebrate James’ outstanding life and 24-year career as a helicopter pilot and aviation inspector with both the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a procession of fire apparatus at the Redding Convention Center, followed by the 2:00 p.m. ceremony of invited speakers, a video presentation highlighting James’ life and career, remarks and comments by James’ family and friends, and a fly-over tribute of firefighting aircraft.

The celebration is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend the event. The public is advised to arrive early due to likely traffic congestion and parking limitations at the convention center. The Redding Convention Center is located at 777 Auditorium Drive in Redding, California.

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Media Advisory: If you will be attending the James Ramage Celebration, please contact Mike Ferris in advance at 208-559-5367, so we may adequately plan for the media coverage.