About this episode
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this episode, we talk about the ongoing battle against wildfires in Southern California, a region where the threat of wildfires persists year-round. For this conversation, we have the privilege of welcoming Desiree Horton and co-host Tony Webber to uncover the tireless efforts and evolving strategies employed by SoCal agencies to combat wildfires in a region where the fire season never truly ends. First, we have Desiree Horton, a trailblazer in public safety aviation with over three decades of experience and more than 10,000 flight hours to her name. From her early days navigating the busy airspace of Southern California to becoming the first female pilot on an exclusive use contract for Region 5 with the U.S. Forest Service, Desiree's journey is one of perseverance and ground-breaking achievements. Currently serving as a fire/rescue pilot for the Kern County Fire Department, she continues to inspire and pave the way for women in the industry. Joining Desiree on the podcast is Tony Webber, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a distinguished background in law enforcement and firefighting. With over 9,000 flight hours, extensive experience in mountainous terrain, and a strong dedication to safety demonstrated through his certifications and training, Tony's expertise is truly exceptional. His decorated career with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, where he rose to the position of corporal/fire-rescue pilot, showcases his commitment to public service and his invaluable contributions to search and rescue missions. Together, Desiree and Tony bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for aviation to The Hangar Z Podcast, offering listeners a unique insight into the world of public safety aviation and firefighting. This podcast recording is in conjunction with an article in the summer issue of Vertical Valor Magazine. Go to Vertical Valor online to check out the fantastic writing and content in the summer issue. Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies , Metro Aviation and Bell .