An Arizona Department of Transportation employee on Jan. 2, 2020, was performing routine sign maintenance.
That morning, at about 9 a.m., a driver and four passengers were traveling southbound on U.S. Route 89A, near Cliff Dwellers Stone House. They crashed into a ravine. Four hours later, trooper Jacob Perger received a call about an unknown injury collision at milepost 548.
“An ADOT worker (Marland Billie) was informed by a UPS driver there was a car in a ravine off the side of the road,” Perger said.
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By Bob Hembree
Lake Powell Chronicle
PAGE – An Arizona Department of Transportation employee on Jan. 2, 2020, was performing routine sign maintenance.
That morning, at about 9 a.m., a driver and four passengers were traveling southbound on U.S. Route 89A, near Cliff Dwellers Stone House. They crashed into a ravine. Four hours later, trooper Jacob Perger received a call about an unknown injury collision at milepost 548.
“An ADOT worker (Marland Billie) was informed by a UPS driver there was a car in a ravine off the side of the road,” Perger said.
Arizona Department of Public Safety arrived at the remote location about 45 minutes later. “Classic (Air) crew members arrived on scene at about the same time and started working on the patients,” Perger continued.
Richard Leightner of Classic Air told the Chronicle two helicopter crews were sent to the scene. Two were still alive and flown to Flagstaff Medical Center.
Through it all, Billie stayed with the survivors, helping anyway he could. Perger said when they arrived, Marland “continued to help Law enforcement and medical services.” Marland has worked for ADOT for 26 years. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
Billie on Feb. 5 received a visit while he was at the ADOT Yard in Page. Classic Air, which is well-known for giving recognition where recognition is due, coordinated the surprise event.
Representatives from Classic Air, ADOT and DPS were there, including State Trooper Jacob Perger. Classic Air Medical awarded Billie a Certificate of Appreciation for Service and Dedication Above and Beyond.
Classic Air COO Matt Stein presented the certificate. Also in attendance were Page Base Manager Jason Cole and Area Marketing Liaison Richard Leightner. Leightner also presented him with a “family helicopter” flight certificate, inclusion in the Classic Membership for a year, and a swag bag with other Classic Air Medical goodies in it.
Soft-spoken, Marland Billie remained humble and composed during the gathering. He said he didn’t think he did anything special.
