SYLACAUGA, Ala. – An honorary ceremony for pilot Marc Gann and nurse Adam Russell, the two fallen members of the Lifesaver 4 helicopter crew that crashed on April 2, took place at Legion Stadium Tuesday morning, April 11.
The ceremony was held by Air Methods, a helicopter operator that focuses on emergency medical aid.
Included in the ceremony were: multiple flyovers; an invocation from the campus pastor of the Sylacauga branch for the Church of the Highlands, Zeke Walters; words of remembrance from multiple speakers; “Amazing Grace” played on the bag pipes; and the final dispatch call for Gann and Russell.
Below are the bios provided in the Air Methods ceremony program for both fallen Lifesaver members:
Marcus Gann, Sr. (1959 – 2023)
Morc’s passion was to EMS and the service of others. Marc was the lead pilot and flew for Life Saver for 17 years. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2004 as a paratrooper and Army Ranger, where he flew Cobras and Apaches. In the army, he defended his country in Honduras, Grenada Panama, Iraq, Iran, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Urgent Fury and received several commendations. He flew for 37 years. He was also a fireman and worked with numerous volunteer fire departments in the area since 2007.
Marc leaves behind a wife, Brenda, and his 3 children, Kelly, Craig, and Holly, and 6 grandchildren.
Adam Russell (1979 – 2023)
For over 25 years, Adam worked exclusively in service to others. Adam was a flight nurse with Life Saver since 2009, a fireman since 1999, paramedic since 2003, and a nurse since 2009. He worked at Alexander City and Sylacauga Fire Departments. He has also worked with East Alabama Medical Center’s ETS. He earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Troy State University. Adam was an active member of his church, Church of the Highlands.
Adam leaves behind his wife, Tamara, and their 3 children, JD, Jesse, and Dylan.
