Erected by 444 Squadron, this memorial is in memory of Rescue 420 personnel Captain Juli-Ann Dawn Mackenzie and Captain Colin Joseph Sonoski. Both died in a crash returning from a search and rescue mission for a missing boat on 18 July 2002 approximately 40 nautical miles north of Goose Bay. Two other crew members were injured.
The crew started their return when the tail rotor departed the aircraft. About 400 meters down track, the aircraft crashed into hilly, tree-covered terrain and both pilots were killed instantly. Search and Rescue Technician Mario Michaud and Flight Engineer David Pawulski were seriously injured. Despite his injuries, David administered first aid to his crewmate and used a satellite phone to report the accident to Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax. Within three hours a 444 Squadron rescue helicopter arrived and evacuated the survivors to medical facilities.
The memorial signifies strength and hope, pointing to heaven. The base indicates the support network of friends and family that surround us all. The trees are the cardinal points - north, south, east and west, providing us direction.
