Eric Ellis: May 18, 1974 - May 21, 2020
Eric Ellis dedicated 28 years to the United States Forest Service and the wildland fire community, building a career defined by leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to those he served alongside. He began his fire career in 1993 on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona before serving on the Prescott Interagency Hotshot Crew, Krassel Helitack, Kaibab Helitack, and the Boise Smokejumpers, where he spent eight seasons as both a smokejumper and Lead Smokejumper. His experience across nearly every facet of aviation-based wildland firefighting prepared him for the leadership role that would leave his greatest mark.
Following the 2008 integration of the Moyer Rappel Crew, Indianola Rappel Crew, and Salmon National Helitack Crew, Eric became the first Base Manager of the Salmon Heli-Rappellers in 2010 until his passing on May 21, 2020. He played a vital role in bringing together the traditions, experience, and pride of those historic programs into a single crew, establishing the foundation, culture, and high standards that continue to define the Salmon Heli-Rappellers today. Under his leadership, the Salmon Airbase also became the home of the National Rappel Academy, helping train generations of rappellers from across the country.
Eric believed a successful rappel program was built on far more than technical skill. He valued trust, mentorship, professionalism, and taking care of one another, and he challenged every firefighter to be their best while taking pride in the profession. Those who served with him remember him not only as an exceptional leader, but as someone who genuinely cared about the people around him. Though he is no longer with us, the crew he helped build continues to carry forward his vision. Survived by his wife, Stephanie and their two young sons, Wesley and Walker, Eric will always be remembered as a leader, a mentor, and one of our brothers.
Jeff Allen: January 17, 1979 – July 22, 2003
Born and raised in Salmon, Idaho, Jeff Allen developed a deep appreciation for the mountains and public lands that surrounded his hometown. He began his Forest Service career in 1998 on a thinning crew on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest before moving into wildland firefighting the following season. In 2000, he earned a position on the Indianola Rappel Crew, where he quickly became known as a skilled rappeller, dependable firefighter, and trusted crewmate. During the off-season, Jeff attended Boise State University, pursuing a degree in Business Administration while returning each summer to serve on the fireline.
On July 22, 2003, Jeff and fellow rappeller Shane Heath were assigned to the Cramer Fire, where they rappelled into steep terrain to construct a helispot for incoming firefighters. When fire behavior changed rapidly, the two were entrapped and lost their lives in the line of duty.
Jeff's legacy lives on in the firefighters who continue the tradition he helped build. Though the Indianola Rappel Crew has since become part of today's Salmon Heli-Rappellers, Jeff's place in its history remains unchanged. He will always be remembered as one of our brothers, and his dedication, humility, and love for the job continue to inspire those who wear the Salmon Heli-Rappeller shield.
Shane Heath: September 22, 1980 – July 22, 2003
Shane Heath grew up on his family's farm near Melba, Idaho, where hard work, humility, and a love for the outdoors shaped the person he would become. He began his wildland firefighting career in 2000 on the Sula Fire Crew of the Bitterroot National Forest, developing into a respected firefighter and accomplished sawyer before earning a position on the Indianola Rappel Crew. There, he discovered a passion for helicopter operations and decided to make wildland firefighting his career. During the off-season, Shane attended Boise State University while preparing for another summer on the fireline.
On July 22, 2003, Shane and fellow rappeller Jeff Allen were assigned to establish a helispot on the Cramer Fire. As fire behavior unexpectedly increased and overtook their position, both firefighters lost their lives while carrying out their mission.
Shane is remembered for his determination, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his crew. Though the Indianola Rappel Crew has since become part of today's Salmon Heli-Rappellers, Shane's place in its history remains unchanged. His legacy lives on in the traditions, values, and brotherhood carried forward by the Salmon Heli-Rappellers, and he will always be remembered as one of our brothers.
