Firefighter Nick Hutcherson - United States Forest Service
Firefighter Nick Hutcherson and four other firefighters with the Rifle Helitack Team were dropped into a fire in western Mesa County on June 27, a day when winds were whipping 30 to 50 mph and western Colorado was in virtual air fryer mode. Two new fires, the Knowles and Gore fires, had flared to the east of two large Utah fires that had merged into one and darkened Western Slope skies. The five firefighters were dropped by helicopter into a remote area to fight the new fires. But shortly after noon, satellite imagery showed that another lightning-caused ignition had blown up not far from the firefighters.
Just before 3 p.m., the crew requested that a helicopter pick them up. Within 10 minutes, a helicopter lifted off from the Grand Junction firefighting headquarters and headed out to rescue them. The trip took only five minutes, but by the time the helicopter reached the firefighters the smoke was so thick it was unable to lane.
The firefighters deployed their shelters — basically fireproof pup tents that are standard last-resort gear for wildland firefighters. But the flames roared over the top of them.
At Firefighter Hutcherson's funeral, his father (Ron Hutcherson) stated, "It just hit me. I believe you fell in love with the fire department before you could even walk. Damn, Nick, I love you. I miss you, and I'll write again soon."
Hutcherson was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service's Kaibab National Forest as part of the Rifle Helitack crew. Before beginning his wildland firefighting career, he served in the U.S. Navy, including a tour in Guam, and aspired to become a doctor of physical therapy.
"He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, including a tour in Guam. He wanted to be a doctor of physical therapy because he wanted to help people, and he was a dedicated member of the Northern Arizona Deaf and American Sign Language community," Sarah Fisher, the Deputy Chief of Fire and Aviation Management for the U.S. Forest Service, said.
Hutcherson began his wildland firefighting career in 2021, serving in several roles ranging from a Type 2 firefighter to an Incident Commander Type 5. Those who knew him said his impact extended well beyond his work on the fireline.
"It didn't matter if he was being briefed, walking down the trail, or in the middle of a casual conversation. His hands were moving constantly, signing, practicing, and learning. That dedication wasn't random, it was just a part of his vision," Marcus Ortiz, a former supervisor of Hutcherson, said.
