Bear Creek Rural Volunteer Fire District holds dedication

Press Release

KAW CITY — On Sunday, May 2, the Bear Creek Rural Volunteer Fire District (BCRFD) dedicated a helicopter pad, located in their fire station parking lot, 1510 N. 106 Lane, Kaw Lake, in memory of Neil Doctorman.

Several months ago,  Doctorman, or “Doc”, suffered a home injury. He was transported to the fire station parking lot by Newkirk EMS and taken by the  AirMed Medical Response Team to a Wichita hospital. Transport from the ambulance to helicopter over the gravel parking lot was extremely difficult.

Sadly, “Doc” passed away several weeks after his accident.

With the help of community donations, a grant from Kay Electric Cooperative KUP, the Newkirk Lodge 88 Masons and help from County Commissioner Jack Godberson, enough funds were raised and manpower volunteered to construct the landing pad and sidewalk.

On Sunday, Air Evac Lifeteam 128, Ponca City, landed on the newly-completed pad to the delight of the crowd of community supporters.

On board were Pilot Brad Askew, Flight Nurse Paige Frank and Flight Paramedic Chris Cangelose. The red ribbon was cut by Doc’s wife, Margaret Doctorman, accompanied by her family.
“Doc was a great volunteer for the fire department and was always helping with our fund raising events,” said BCRFD Fire Chief Lori Overton, who gave thanks to all who helped support the project.

Those attending the celebration included Newkirk Fire Chief Adam Longcrier and Dustin Wells, BCRFD board members Cindy Randol and Jan Heffner, Rusty Randol of the Newkirk Mason 88 Lodge and several BCRFD volunteer fire fighters.

Travis Morin, program director for AirEvac attended the ceremony as well as Chris Sieman, Membership & Sales, who was on hand to sign up new members to the Air Vac program.  Both agreed “Doc’s Landing” will provide a safe landing zone for critical patients.