In April 1962 Bruce was dispatched with a crew to assist on a civilian plane crash in Jamaca Bay. It was not an uncommon occurance to assist the city on calls when needed.

Bruce jumped out of the helicopter upon the co-pilot's signal. Instead of being 5 feet above the water, they were 25 feet up, probably due to a radio miscommunication. Bruce bailed and got stuck on the bottom due to the force of the fall. He was in turnout gear so he had an air supply but was knocked unconscious.

The crew, including Bruce, continued on with the rescue.

The next day on duty he noticed a filmy view from his left eye. He thought he had "caught a cold" in his eye and reported to sick bay. That was the last daym he ever served active duty.

He was sent to St. Alban's Hospital to be treated for a detached retina caused by the impact with the water. He was discharged several months later and was awarded a partial SC Disability.

Francis Bruce Travis