Triumphrat

Medic09

I apologize for climbing on the soapbox. Hug a cop, firefighter, EMT today.



“A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come?” (Psalm 121)

That beautiful Psalm is a song of hope; but in traditional Jewish communities it is also a public cry for salvation in time of great need. This week was such a time.

Santa Fe has many things to recommend it; but in to my mind the best of all is the mountains above town. Wherever I go around town, I glance up there and get inspired. I know so many of the trails and paths up there. I’ve spent many hours up there reviving my spirit, talking to God. I’ve spent a few hours up there on search missions, as well. The more I get to know the mountains, the more they inspire me and the more they call me to come back, to seek solitude and solice in ‘God’s country’.

Today I looked up to the mountains as always, out of habit while out on errands. Today I look at the mountains, and I feel sorrow. This week, during the rescue of a lost hiker, New Mexico State Police Unit 606 (helicopter) crashed on the side of Santa Fe Baldy. Down here in town, one can see the big peak of Santa Fe Baldy jutting up behind the closer mountains. Now, I look at Baldy not just to see ‘is there snow’; I look and think of the crew that was lost in the fog and rain and snow the other night. The State Police spotter survived; but the pilot and rescued hiker were both killed. Up in the mountains of solace and beauty this week, New Mexico lost a fine man. Sgt. Andy Tingwall flew his aircraft out in the most noble of enterprises, and gave his life in the attempt.

I didn’t know Sgt. Tingwall, but we were brothers-in-arms. Not arms like bearing weapons; but arms as in ‘lending a hand.’ Arms as in putting an arm around the shoulders of one in need of strength and encouragement. The New Mexico State Police helicopter unit participates regularly in search and rescue missions. Many of us have become familiar with the sight of them overhead; with the sound of the voice on the radio. Sometimes, we train with them and discuss how best to use that valuable human and mechanical resource. This week, that angel plunged from sight and the voice was stilled.

All who fly in search and rescue and medical missions are privileged folks. Privileged and blessed to be engaged in such truly noble and kind endeavours. Privileged to be surrounded by people of such high character; people whose greatest effort is expended in helping others through this world. Our losses are great because of the close knit community; but also because of the mission and the quality of the men and women who choose it. The pathfinders are not only our worldly compass; they provide a moral direction, as well.

We can't all be Andy Tingwalls. Maybe we shouldn't be. But we can all be urged on by his legacy to be stronger and more determined in our efforts to make this world more manageable, safer, more livable for those in need. And we can remember to thank and tangibly support those who do devote themselves to making our society more civil and safe.

God bless you, Andy Tingwall. May your example spur us on with strength and courage and kindness. I mourn our loss, and I pray that we will be worthy of the price you paid in continuing your legacy. I pray that your family will find comfort in due time, and always be proud and blessed for all that you gave them and us.

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Mordechai Y. Scher
Santa Fe, NM
'76 Trident T160 (rebuilding)
'78 Honda CB750K
'07 aprilia Caponord

Catenaccio

Amen and God Bless.

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I like to reminisce with people I don't know.

Sal Paradise

I read this story and I hoped he made it. Its very sad to find out that he died .

I used hang around the airport in town and the older pilots would always say- I'm not afraid to die on the side of a mountain.Its the hospital that scares me."

It took me another 20 years to really understand that.

I bet Sgt. Andy Tingwall understood that very well.

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Drunk on the wind in my mouth,
Wringing the handlebar for speed,
Wild to be wreckage forever.

HiDesert

Never apologize for a post like that. Rest in peace, Andy.

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I won't stop riding because you tell me about someone who died in an accident, just as I won't stop eating because someone died of e.coli.

HiDesert's ride photos

phil the greek

reminds me of a Martin Luther King Jr quote which I love

"We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile, rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity" Martin Luther King Jr

JollyRgr

Don't apologize....he deserves to be recognized and remembered......and that's what you have done.

Good job.

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'Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity!'
2008 B/W T100, AI gone, BCARK-135/42 jets, 19t sprocket, Staintune R/C, D9 gauge/ignition bracket, 7" Hella lamp +80% bulb, Dart F/Screen, 'Piemaned' and loving it!!

wenzel850

Medvac flying is the most dangerous type of flying in this country. Many are killed each year.

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Quentin

Nickwiz

Yep respect is due.

Funny how much we value those that work for the good of others in all ways other than enough to pay a decent salary and not cut their jobs when times get hard so the rich men who messed it up can get richer!

Our society vaslues the wrong stuff. Time to change.

propforward

Yes respect is due, and in my view, using such a thread as this to spout your political opinions is showing a distinct lack of it, Nick.

I know a few emergency responders, medics, polics and firefighters, and they are damn fine types all, none of them even demand or require recognition, they just see it as their job to do, which makes them all the finer in my view. We are lucky to have fine people backing us up, and I thank Medic09 for bringing this up.

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Rule 1: Cardio

Rustic Road Progress

gn2

Why?
They're just ordinary people doing a job for which they get paid, just the same as anyone else.