Memorial service of CareFlite employees killed in crash takes place

GRAPEVINE - The memorial service of two CareFlite employees - pilot Guy Del Giudice and mechanic Stephen Durler - who were killed when their helicopter crashed in a field near Midlothian on June 2nd took place at Fellowship Church of Grapevine on Thursday. Emergency responders from across North Texas attended the service, with an impressive display of equipment and dignity. Air ambulances landed with precision in the church parking lot. There was a long procession of medical units and fire trucks. They were accompanied only by the sound of bagpipers and drummers from multiple fire departments. Inside the church, hung large photos of Giudice and Durler. Most of CareFlite's 300 employees came to say goodbye. "All of this support, regardless of its form, has helped the families of our fallen brothers, and the CareFlite family, bear an unbearable loss," said Jim Swartz, CareFlite CEO. CareFlite said the deaths were the first fatalities in the last quarter century. This brotherhood of emergency responders knows this is not a risk free occupation. Many would consider it a calling.