AirCare 3 heroes
Our community was struck by a devastating loss on March 10 when three brave souls from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s AirCare team perished in a helicopter crash northeast of Madison.
Among them was our own Dustin Brett Pope, a 35-year-old flight nurse and base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus, hailing from Neshoba County.
Dustin Pope was more than just a medical professional; he was a beacon of hope and a testament to the selfless dedication that defines our emergency responders. A loving husband and father to three young children, Dustin’s commitment to saving lives extended far beyond his professional duties. His friends remember him as one of the most genuine people they had ever met, a man who loved his family, his faith, and had an infectious way of making people smile and laugh.
Alongside Dustin, Jakob Kindt, a 37-year-old critical care paramedic from Tupelo, and Cal Wesolowski, a 62-year-old pilot from Starkville, were also lost. These three individuals embodied the very essence of heroism, dedicating their lives to the service of others in their most critical moments.
The AirCare program, which began in 1996, had an impeccable safety record until this tragic event. For nearly three decades, these flying angels had been responding to emergencies across our state, bringing hope and advanced medical care to those in dire need. The loss of AirCare 3 and its crew is not just a blow to UMMC, but to the entire state of Mississippi.
As we mourn, we must also celebrate the lives of these heroes because Dustin, Jakob, and Cal represented the best of humanity – courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their calling. Like other first responders, they rushed towards danger when others fled, bringing comfort and expertise to those experiencing their darkest hours.
Pope began his career in public service in 2010 as a student nurse at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, working in the Critical Care Unit (CCU).
He continued in the CCU but often floated to other units including the Emergency Room (ER) and telemetry. Pope also worked in the ICU and ER at Neshoba General.
Before joining the AirCare team in 2017, Pope worked for Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian and often staffed in two of their critical access hospitals in Dekalb and Union.
His diverse experience helped prepare him for his ultimate goal of becoming a flight nurse.
In the words of Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at UMMC, “At a moment's notice, they responded to emergency calls around the state with bravery, professionalism and genuine care.”
Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of emergency responders and serve as a reminder of the risks these brave men and women face daily in their mission to save lives.
As our community grieves, we stand united in support of the families left behind. We honor Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski not only for how they died, but for how they lived – with purpose, passion, and an unwavering dedication to others.
May their memory be a blessing, and may their sacrifice never be forgotten. To all those who continue to serve in emergency services: your courage knows no bounds, and our gratitude knows no end.