Cameron Carter

Former Valley resident Cameron C. Carter, 24, died around Dec. 3, 2007, when the LifeGuard helicopter he crewed as a paramedic was reported missing over Prince William Sound near Whittier.

Carter was working as a flight paramedic and left Cordova Airport to transport a patient to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. The aircraft is believed to have encountered adverse weather conditions and failed to report in. Following an extensive seven-day search, no survivors were found and it is presumed Carter made the ultimate sacrifice on the flight.

Carter was born Dec. 19, 1982, in Columbus, Ga., and spent his younger years in Newport News, Va., before his family moved to Alaska. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Butte Fire Department from the age of 14, and early on knew he had found his future career. He graduated from Palmer High School in 2002. He received his National Registry training paramedic/firefighter certification in April 2004. He moved to Kenai Aug. 1, 2004, where he worked for Central Emergency Services. In his off time he worked as a flight paramedic with Providence LifeGuard.

Carter also enjoyed working on his house, fishing, biking, hiking with his dogs, watching movies, and had a special passion for NASCAR racing.

He was preceded in death by a grandfather. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Jean Carter of Palmer; and three of his grandparents, uncles, aunts and other relatives.

Carter had a great love for animals, and enjoyed spending time with his parents, whom he considered his best friends. His kind and generous nature and his reflection of God's love will be missed.

“We want to thank you all for your prayers, thoughtfulness and kindness,” his parents said. “We are so appreciative for the men and women who have selflessly devoted their time and resources in the support of the search and rescue efforts of our son and the crew of LifeGuard 1. There are not enough words to tell you how grateful we are for everything done in an attempt to bring him home. He has touched so many lives in such a short time. It is some small consolation to know he died doing what he loved in the service of others.”

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Soldotna Bible Chapel. Chaplain Keith Randall will officiate. Departmental honors will be provided by the personnel of Central Emergency Services. A potluck and celebration of Carter’s life will follow in CES Fire Station 1. A second service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Fairview Loop Baptist Church in Wasilla. Pastor Tom Hoffman will officiate. A potluck and celebration of his life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carter’s memory to a special scholarship fund account through Wells Fargo Bank for the Fire Fighters Explorers Program.