Raymond L. Murray.
Forest Ranger Raymond Murray was killed in an airplane crash while taking off from the Pleasant Valley Airfield near Hammondsport, New York. He was conducting an aerial patrol to detect forest fires and violators of state fire laws. Ranger Murray's flight was the inaugural flight launching a new forest fire detection system from the air by the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation. The plane crashed into a house on the Bath-Hammandsport Road approximately a quarter mile past the end of the runway. It is believed the crash was caused by a strong downdraft. Another forest ranger and the pilot suffered severe injuries in the crash. Ranger Murray was a veteran of WWII. He had served with the New York State Forest Rangers for 20 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Forest Ranger Murray gave the New York State Forest Rangers 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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