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TUCSON - Loren Leonberger, the pilot who was killed in a helicopter crash Monday morning was a highly experienced pilot. He spent his life serving his country flying helicopters for more than 40 years.

Leonberger began his flying career in the Vietnam, he continued his aviation career in the U.S. Army National Guard. In 1978 Leonberger joined the Arizona Department of Public Safety where he served as a pilot for 20 years. Leonberger retired from that position in December of 1998 but he never quit flying, he flew for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and eventually joined the Pima County Sheriff's Department in November of 2008.

When friends and colleagues talk about Leonberger, a smile usually lights up their face. Some say he was a humble hero, responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of people. Former Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Carmona flew his first medical rescue mission with Leonberger, "He's been called the pilot's pilot." Said Dr. Carmona. Al Quesada, a former DPS paramedic, flew hundreds of rescue missions with Leonberger, "Loren was the best of the best pilots."

Dr. Carmona and Quesada were both flying with Leonberger during a heroic rescue mission in1992. Leonberger somehow managed to fly through a snowstorm to save the lone survivor of a medical helicopter crash on Mt. Graham that day.

Quesada and Leonberger were both awarded the Medal of Valor from DPS after that rescue. Quesada says he was frightened on that mission but he put his trust in Leonberger who always made safety the top priority. "Pilot safety, we're going to get home no matter what, we're going to get home."

Dr. Carmona felt the same way, "you always felt very confident with loren because he he was such a good pilot."

That's why the news of Leonbergers death surprised just about everyone. They all figured he could get out of any jam. They are sad to learn that Leonberger will never fly again but they also say Leonberger probably sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his passengers. "My guess is that when Loren knew he was going, he positioned the helicopter so that he would take the hit on his side of the fuselage and the occupants would be safe." Said Dr. Carmona.

Loren Leonberger leaves behind a wife and 12 siblings.