Federal Wildlife Officer from Oregon Killed in Oklahoma Wildfire While Evacuating Residents

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 38-year-old federal wildlife officer from Scio, Ore., is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire in Oklahoma, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed.

Officer David Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch occurred while he was helping a family evacuate their home.

Evidence recovered from a structure where Taylor was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed it is mourning Taylor's loss and commended his dedication to duty during the emergency response.

“Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty,” the agency said in a statement. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.”