In Memoriam: Heath Van Handel

DNR Pilot Health Van Handel, 36, died in an airplane accident on April 8, 2009. At the time of the accident, Heath was performing the duties of an air attack pilot, helping direct firefighters on the ground in the suppression of a wildland fire near the City of Pittsville in Wood County. 

Heath dedicated his life and career to the Wisconsin DNR as a conservation pilot and died while serving to protect the people of Wisconsin. Heath was a devoted husband to his wife, Jenny, and a father to his sons, Matthew and Brett, who were ages 2 and 4 at the time of his death. 

We pay tribute to Heath by focusing on safely performing our firefighting duties and remembering his wife and sons as part of our DNR family.