Michael H. Davis‚ 59‚ engineer‚ Hawkins & Powers Aviation‚ Inc.‚ USDA Forest Service contractor‚ died June 17‚ 2002‚ when his airtanker crashed while fighting a forest fire. All three crew members died. Davis learned to fly C-130s while serving in the U.S. Air Force and later flew with various air cargo companies and worked as an aircraft mechanic. He was a journeyman welder/pipefitter and a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #460. A Bakersfield native‚ he ministered through his church and in juvenile and adult detention centers.

Mike had three loves: God‚ his wife‚ and flying.