News Release

Timothy Bailey named as NPS Aviation Professional of the Year for 2023

Timothy "Timmy" Bailey (right) has been named Aviation Professional of the Year for 2023.

NPS

News Release Date: February 9, 2024

Contact: Jin Prugsawan Harlow, 808-866-6016

Contact: Tina Boehle, 208-387-5875

Timothy "Timmy" Bailey, park aviation manager at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaiʻi has been selected as the 2023 National Park Service (NPS) Aviation Professional of the Year. The award recognizes an individual who has performed mission(s) of significant consequence, valor or has actively promoted the advancement or recognition of an NPS program, mission, or the Service.

Timmy manages a very complex aviation program at the park. In addition, he mentors and instructs staff with multiple agencies in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific West Region. His mentorship stretches across the United States Geological Survey (USGS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), counties, and the State of Hawaiʻi. Timmy shares a positive safety culture that disseminates to everyone he mentors and instructs.

In May 2023, Timmy was among the very first responders to the Lahaina Wildfires, recovering victims and searching burned out areas for survivors. As soon as helicopters were able to fly, Timmy became an ad hoc aviation resource to all the pilots who responded. His knowledge helped responding pilots understand the conditions on the ground and the needs of ground personnel. Timmy’s calm professional demeanor expedited operations during these devastating and dangerous conditions. The Lahaina fires were not in the park’s primary jurisdiction, but because of Timmy’s leadership, skill, and knowledge, everyone sought his guidance. Since Timmy was on the ground, he continuously provided situation reports and established priorities to all assisting aircrews. “We are so proud of the work Timmy does for the park and his community. We are incredibly fortunate to have recognized expertise here at Haleakalā,” shared Chief Ranger Ari Wong.

Timmy’s efforts directly impacted recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the Lahaina disaster. For this and all the other reasons cited above, Timmy Bailey is the NPS Aviation Professional of the Year.