Friday January 20, 2012

RCMP News

Mounties Mourn Loss of Pilot

Brolin leaves  young family behind

Released by Cpl. Annie Linteau, E Division, BC RCMP

he tragic death of pilot Dave Brolin,on Tuesday when the helicopter he was flying crashed in the area of Cultus Lake, BC, marks the passing of much more than a dedicated civilian member of the RCMP and an excellent and highly skilled pilot with over 25 years of flying experience.

Dave Brolin was a dedicated family man, father to an 8-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy. Born in California, Dave Brolin grew up and resided in Cloverdale and South Surrey.

Dave Brolin, aged 46, joined the RCMP as a civilian member in June 2006 and worked full time as a helicopter pilot assigned to “E” Division Air Services. He flew Lower Mainland Traffic Services helicopters Air 1 and Air 2 as well as flew Air 5 which is a helicopter frequently used for search and rescue operations as well as for the deployment of members of the Police Dog Service and the Emergency Response Team.

Dave Brolin was flying Air 5 and had just successfully completed a training exercise with the Emergency Response Team and was preparing to return to base when the helicopter was seen crashing. The Transportation Safety Board and the BC Coroners Service are currently investigating the incident.

Prior to joining the RCMP, Dave Brolin was a pilot with the United States Army and with Blackcomb Aviation in Whistler. During his service in the United States Army, Dave flew in various sorties during Operation Desert Storm.

His enthusiasm and courage will be remembered, his contributions and impact will be everlasting.

Members of the public wishing to leave a message of condolence to the family of David Brolin can do so by clicking on this link.

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