Aviation Industry
Contact: Bill Adams Thursday, September 23, 2004 Tel.: (202) 366-4570 Secretary Mineta Honors FedEx Express Employees for Heroism Two FedEx Express employees in Danbury, CT who risked their personal safety to save a pilot from a burning aircraft were honored today as U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta presented them the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) highest award. Secretary Mineta presented the Department’s Award for Heroism to Alvin Orne and Robert Hayner for their actions in pulling a burned pilot from a fiery plane crash last January. “You have inspired Americans from coast to coast with your bravery, “ Secretary Mineta said. “You disregarded your own safety to save the life of another man. In my book, that is the essence of a true hero.” On Jan. 7, 2004, a single-engine Piper Warrior piloted by Edgar Wong crashed shortly after taking off from Danbury Airport. The aircraft crashed upside down in an icy stream near the airport and burst into flames. Hayner and Orne, who were at work at a nearby FedEx Express office, witnessed the crash, plunged into the water, and rescued the badly burned pilot. Thanks to the heroism of Orne and Hayner, who emerged from the stream freezing and soaked, Wong survived. Alvin Orne resides in New Milford, CT and has been employed with FedEx Express for 20 years. Robert Hayner, a resident of Wingdale, NY has been employed with the company for nine months. The U.S. DOT Award for Heroism is presented for extraordinary actions taken during the course of duty to save the life of others. Since its inception in 1975, the award has been presented for just 29 acts of heroism. -END-
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