The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of the Interior are mourning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died on Aug. 29 while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma.
Taylor was supporting the wildfire response by going door to door to help residents evacuate alongside local emergency crews as the fire threatened the community. His last contact with dispatch came while he was assisting a family to leave their home.
Evidence recovered from a structure where Taylor was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.
"Everything we know about David's actions demonstrates extraordinary courage and selflessness," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. "When people were in danger, David was there helping them get to safety. He remained committed to protecting others under the most dangerous circumstances. We mourn alongside his family, friends and colleagues, and we will never forget his service."
Taylor dedicated his life to public service. He previously served on active duty in the U.S. Navy and continued his military service in the Navy Reserve while also serving as a federal wildlife officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At the time of his death, he was a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve. During his 20 years of naval service, Taylor completed five deployments, including one to Iraq and four to Djibouti, Africa.
Taylor served the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Throughout his tenure with the Service, he continued his commitment to the nation through his concurrent service in the Navy Reserve.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of the Interior are coordinating support for Taylor's family, coworkers and others affected by this tragedy.
The Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma, was reported on August 29. Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management has lifted all evacuation orders for residents affected by the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Additional information will be released as it is confirmed.
