Reluctant Heroes
Helicopter Pilots Modest About Their Role
by Jim Evans

Ted Smith and Rick Arroyo fight to control the ridge.

What is a "hero?"
A hero is a
man celebrated for special achievements and attributes." Still, Ted Smith and Rick Arroyo don’t think of themselves as heroes.

As far as they are concerned, they were just doing their jobs, like all the other firefighters and local residents who braved the smoke and flames of the Cedar Fire to save Julian. According to Webster’s — and to most of Julian — there are many such unsung heroes.

But perhaps Ted Smith and Rick Arroyo symbolize the heroism displayed by so many brave men and women because their efforts were so visible. As pilot
and co-pilot respectively of CDF Helicopter No. 406, their daring exploits were broadcast around the world by the media. Millions
of people watched in
awe as they dived down, dangerously low — over
and over again — to dip water from a local pond and ascend back into the fiery fray to douse the menacing flames. Their skill and courage were critical to the
ultimate containment of the fire.

"It was the wind that made it the most difficult for us," says Smith, a 30-year CDF veteran from Monterey. "The gusts would cause us to sometimes misjudge our air speed and overshoot the target and, of course, the fire
creates a dangerous draft of its own. There were times when we flew for several hours straight without a break just to keep
pressure on the forward progress of the fire."

Ted Smith at the heliport in Ramona.

"Your adrenaline is really
pumping," says Arroyo, "and
sometimes you lose sense of the time after a while and just keep
on flying as long as you can, but this is what we are trained for."

Arroyo, 41, has been flying
helicopters since he was 18.
Why did he decide to become a firefighter?

"I’ve asked myself that
question many times," he says. "But a situation like this — where you can help to save a community — its homes, its schools, its churches, its businesses —
makes it all worthwhile. Maybe that’s why."

And, adds Smith, "Rick and I have never experienced such an outpouring of gratitude as we have here in Julian. These folks have really made us feel special, and
we appreciate it."

The appreciation is mutual,
fellows. Julian honors its heroes from the heart.