Albuquerque, New Mexico-headquartered Part 135 operator CSI Aviation donated an air charter trip to the For Paul Foundation’s Hero for the Holidays programme earlier in December. CSI specialises in fixed wing air ambulances for critical care patients and air transport for the Department of Defense (DoD). It has a fleet of medically configured King Airs and a fleet of Beechcraft 1900s supporting passenger movements for the DoD.

The For Paul Foundation helps first responders and their families through education, support and appreciation. Their Hero for the Holidays programme supports families by granting them a wish in memory of a loved one lost in the line of duty. This year, the programme sponsored the families of Walker River EMS paramedic Rick Slaughter-Strassner and UT Health paramedic David Eads, who both passed in the line of duty.

“It is a privilege to support a foundation like this,” says executive vice president Tommy Dunn. “We understand the commitment and the sacrifice our first responders and their families accept in order to keep us safe and be there at a time of need. So, to give back in any way is an honour.”

CSI assisted the foundation by flying both families from Tyler, Texas, to Orlando, Florida, for a return visit to Disneyworld and Universal Studios on one of its Beechcraft 1900s.