Curry ends 26 years with ALERT

Chuck Curry served his last day Tuesday as ALERT’s chief flight paramedic in preparation for his new role as Flathead County’s sheriff in 2011.

His departure ended a 26-year stint flying with the emergency helicopter service based at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Curry said his last day felt like any other.

“I’ve done it for a very long time,” he said. “There isn’t much I haven’t done.”

No one particular rescue stands out in his mind. From working on grizzly bear maulings to vehicle accident victims, Curry said each incident offered unique challenges.

“No two calls are the same,” he said. “It’s been a very interesting job.”

Among his accomplishments, Curry worked with ALERT pilot George Taylor to develop the short haul program. He was the first to buckle into the “screamer suit” and dangle beneath the helicopter to pluck accident victims out of precarious areas such as mountain ravines.

“I’m pretty proud of that program even though we can’t do it now because of federal regulations,” he said.

Curry grew up in Lakeside and attended Montana State University-Northern and Montana State University. He started working at the Sheriff’s Office at age 20 and became the undersheriff during Sheriff Jim Dupont’s tenure.

 His work with ALERT began in 1984 as a part-time volunteer. Curry, who became an emergency medical technician in 1982 while a deputy, said he had friends involved in ALERT.

“I kind of fell into it,” he said. “I continued part time for a number of years. Initially, we were volunteers; then they paid us $5 a flight to pay for our gas.”

As the program revenue increased, the pay got better. Curry was among the first paramedics licensed in Montana when he took the requisite training along with Kalispell and Bigfork firefighters and ALERT staff.

He saw the program expand greatly over the years. A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, Curry said the job involves moments of excitement in the air but also a lot of interesting as well as routine work on the ground.

Winter marks the slow season for ALERT after the busy summer months.

“When we’re not out flying, we help out in the ER,” he said.

Curry became a full-time flight paramedic five years ago when he retired from the Sheriff’s Office. He looks at leaving with a mixture of sadness and anticipation of his new role as sheriff.

“I’ll certainly miss the people I work with,” he said.

Bill Norton, ALERT’s chief flight nurse, who works closely with Curry, said the feeling is mutual. He called Curry an icon at ALERT who leaves a huge vortex as he departs after 26 years.

He said Curry brought “the full package” to the job as a private pilot, dive team rescuer and former member of the SWAT team, along with all of his medical training.

“He brings so much to the table that it will be difficult to fill his shoes,” Norton said.

 ALERT expects to advertise the position and look for a replacement after the holidays. Norton can’t imagine finding anyone as qualified and knowledgeable.

“No one can hold a candle to his experience – he just brings a different slice to it,” he said.

Norton called Curry a tremendous loss for ALERT but a gain for Flathead County. He looks forward to working with him in his new capacity.

 With the bitter cold weather, Curry didn’t expect to take any flights on his last day on the job on Tuesday. His 12-hour shift was scheduled to close out his chief flight paramedic career at 7 p.m.

The next chapter of his adventurous life opens with his swearing in on Dec. 30. Curry said he was anxious to get to work at the Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m working right now on the transition,” he said.

He has waited since the June 8 Republican primary election when he received a solid victory over the current Sheriff Mike Meehan and Sheriff’s Sgt. Lance Norman. No Democrat or other candidates ran, so Curry was the de facto winner of the race before the general election in November.

“My goal is obviously to restore public confidence in the organization and employee confidence in the organization,” Curry said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.