Forest Ranger Raymond L. Murray

Forest Ranger Murray is the only Ranger to lose his life in the line of duty.

Died on October 9, 1970

Aerial detection got off to a rough start with a fatal accident on the first detection flight of the 1970 fall fire season in western New York. Just after take-off, the plane piloted by Jack Marvin crashed in the village of Hammondsport seriously injuring himself and District Ranger Bob Roche. The only fatality at the time of the crash was Forest Ranger Raymond Murray of Addison, New York. Marvin later died of his injuries.

The Rangers were conducting an aerial patrol to detect forest fires and violators of state fire laws.

Ranger Murray had served with the agency for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.