A U.S. Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officer died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire in Oklahoma, the Department of the Interior announced on Sunday.
The officer was identified at 38-year-old David Taylor of Scio, Oregon, according to a press release sent out by the department. Taylor was going door to door to help residents evacuate, and officials lost contact with him while he was assisting a family leave their home. Evidence recovered from the scene indicates he died during the evacuation effort.
“Everything we know about David’s actions demonstrates extraordinary courage and selflessness,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik said. “When people were in danger, David was there helping them get to safety. He remained committed to protecting others under the most dangerous circumstances. We mourn alongside his family, friends and colleagues, and we will never forget his service.”
Taylor worked for the Service at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, officials said in the press release. He also had 20 years of naval service, serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy and continuing his military service in the Navy Reserve while he was a federal wildlife officer.
The release says more information will be released as it is confirmed.
The Railroad South Fire ignited between Indiahoma and Cache in Oklahoma at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, according to Comanche Nation Emergency Management. The fire burned 515 acres, destroyed five homes and two deaths including Taylor. The Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management has lifted all evacuation orders for residents affected by the fire and authorities are investigating the cause.
Donations supporting victims and survivors of the fire can be directed to the following contacts, officials said:
- Lenetta McClung Davenport at (580) 699-4893
- Adra Tehauno-Martinez with the Comanche National Housing Authority at (580) 357-4956
- Comanche Nation Emergency Management Hotline at (580) 919-1098
1 Comment
Rest in peace Officer Taylor, but it is my understanding that Officer Taylor would not be eligible for “hazard pay” for federal employees because he was not performing “fire suppression duties”. Sounds “hazardous” to me if it cost Officer Taylor his life. This “hazard pay” duty policy needs to be changed.