Following the inception of OCFA Air Operations 22 years ago, Lopez was instrumental in moving the program forward, from a single leased Bell 205 helicopter in 1994, to the two Bell 412s and two UH-1H Super Hueys that the unit operates today. Thanks to his persistence, the OCFA was also able to obtain a new Air Operations facility at Fullerton Airport, California, as well as night vision goggles and the training to use them.
Lopez was also active in FIRESCOPE (FIrefighting RESources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies). He told Vertical, “I always believed that local firefighting agencies with helicopters could come together to fight fires using night vision goggles. We just needed to get organized with common terminology, procedures, requirements, and qualifications to make these operations safe and effective. FIRESCOPE was the appropriate vehicle to push that effort forward. It was very satisfying to see it come together and to see the Southern California fire aviation community lead the way in making it a reality.”
Asked for some thoughts on his career with Air Operations, Lopez said, “It has been a dynamic 22 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. The three things that come to mind on what I’m most proud of [are] first, the policies and procedures we were able to establish that have made OCFA’s helicopter program a 24-hour fire/rescue operation. Next is our contribution to establishing the FIRESCOPE night flying guidelines. And finally, and the most important, are the lives we have been able to save. . . . When you get people out of a bad situation and back to their families, it’s an incredible feeling and something I’ll miss.”
As for what the future might hold for him, Lopez said, “I’ll take some time off and then see what opportunity presents itself.”
