BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX)Portersville is mourning the loss of Miles Elliot, a Porterville native and helicopter pilot who died while supporting firefighting operations in Utah.
Elliot was one of two pilots aboard a helicopter that crashed Aug. 7 while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire.
He was a Porterville High School graduate with deep roots in the community.
“Miles was one of those pillars in our community that made this all American city,” Portersville Mayor Greg Meister said.
Portersville mourns native son, helicopter pilot killed fighting Utah wildfire (KUTV)
“He was involved and engaged in many aspects of our community.”
Elliot traveled across the nation fighting wildland fires.
In addition to flying, he served on the Little League baseball board and the airport committee and was also an entrepreneur and a photographer.
“He was superman. He did all kinds of things. He was so smart. He could fix anything,” said Liz Raya, a friend of Elliot.
Portersville mourns native son, helicopter pilot killed fighting Utah wildfire (Courtesy of the Elliot Family)
Raya said Elliot had a wide range of interests and skills.
“He worked on all kinds of different equipment. He built things. He did computers. He was a photographer. He liked going in his Razor, like out in the dessert,” she said.
Information about funeral services and how the community can honor Elliot is expected to be shared as arrangements are finalized.
Elliot is survived by his fiancé and his son. Meister said the community will work to keep his memory alive.
Portersville mourns native son, helicopter pilot killed fighting Utah wildfire (KUTV)
“You know because of men like Miles throughout American history, we the people get to know the blessings of liberty,” Meister said.