Air Evac pilot celebrates milestone

SIKESTON -- Jimmy Damron, pilot for the Air Evac Lifeteam base in Sikeston, recently celebrated a milestone in his career. Damron was presented with his 2,000th flight wings, in a ceremony held on June 19.

Air Evac Lifeteam provides emergency air medical service to people who need it most -- those living in medically underserved communities. Damron began flying with Air Evac Lifeteam in 1991. He left for four years, but returned to the company in 2007.

"I enjoy working for Air Evac because every mission is different," Damron said. "I've worked with some very good folks for several years."

Sikeston's Base Pilot Supervisor Fred Finnell said Damron is worthy of the recognition.

"Jimmy is very dedicated and very safety oriented," Finnell said. "I've never had trouble going home knowing he was on duty."

Damron served in the United States Army for more than 21 years. He retired from active duty at the age of 39, but knew he had to find another job.

"I was in the unemployment office, and they didn't have a job for a helicopter pilot," he said. "But someone mentioned Air Evac and I was on my way."

Fred Sandegren, regional director of flight operations for Air Evac Lifeteam, said Damron is dedicated to his job, his Sikeston base, and the company.

"Safety for his crew and patients is Jimmy's number one priority in anything he does," Sandegren said. "He is always willing to go the extra mile. Jimmy is one of my go-to guys."

Air Evac Lifeteam is the largest independently-owned and operated membership-based air medical service in the United States. The company operates 114 bases in 15 states. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam, visit www.lifeteam.net.