A federal wildlife officer is thought to have lost his life while assisting in the evacuation of residents facing a wildfire in Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the weekend.
Officials have identified the officer as David Taylor, 38, from Scio, Oregon. On Saturday, he was actively helping people escape from the rapidly spreading fire located south of Oklahoma City. He was reportedly going door-to-door to aid residents alongside emergency responders.
The agency stated that his last communication with dispatch occurred while he was helping a family evacuate their home.
“Everything we know about David’s actions shows extraordinary bravery and selflessness,” commented U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “When people were in peril, David was there, assisting them to safety. He stayed dedicated to protecting others in perilous conditions. We grieve together with his family, friends, and colleagues, and we will honor his service.”
Authorities indicated that evidence found at a site led them to conclude that Taylor died during the evacuation efforts.
At the time of his passing, Taylor held the rank of senior chief petty officer in the Navy Reserve, having previously served in active duty. Over his two-decade military career, he completed five deployments, which included one to Iraq and four to Djibouti.
Before joining the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, Taylor also worked at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
The Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the Department of the Interior, is providing support for Taylor’s family and colleagues.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt ordered all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be lowered to half-staff from September 1 to September 4 in tribute to Taylor. He expressed on X, “Sarah and I are praying for his family, his fellow officers, and everyone affected by this tragedy. His bravery, selflessness, and dedication to safeguarding others will always be remembered.”
The Railroad South Fire in Comanche County was reported on Saturday, though all evacuation orders for residents impacted by the wildfire have since been lifted.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
