A Horizon Air pilot volunteered to take an unpaid leave of absence so he could help Orting Fire and Rescue, which needed an experienced paramedic to help respond during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Both jobs really have an adrenaline rush behind them,” said Hunter Chumbley, who has flown for Horizon since 2017. Before becoming a pilot, Chumbley spent several years as a firefighter and paramedic with East Pierce Fire and Rescue.
Three years ago, at age 36, Chumbley did something that would probably terrify anyone with a well-established career. He quit his job to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.